Will Hayes: From AFL Midfielder to Racehorse Trainer
Will Hayes is a former professional Australian rules footballer who carved out a path in the Australian Football League (AFL) through persistence and talent. Known for his versatility as a midfielder—a player who operates primarily in the center of the ground to link defense and attack—Hayes represented two prominent clubs during his tenure in the league.
Early Career and Path to the AFL
Before reaching the professional stage, Hayes developed his skills within the Victorian Football League (VFL) and the TAC Cup, a premier under-18 competition. He played for the Footscray VFL and the Sandringham Dragons, where his performances caught the attention of professional scouts.
His hard work culminated in the 2018 national draft, where he was selected as pick No. 78. His early success in the VFL was notable, including being named in the 2018 VFL team of the year and winning the Footscray Best and Fairest award. He also achieved a significant milestone as a 2016 VFL premiership player.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Professional AFL Journey
Hayes made his official AFL debut on 21 April 2019, playing for the Western Bulldogs against Carlton at Docklands. During his time with the Bulldogs from 2019 to 2021, he appeared in 11 games and kicked 4 goals.
In 2022, Hayes moved to the Carlton Football Club. While he was part of the squad, he did not record any senior game appearances for the club during that season. In total, his AFL career spanned 13 games with a total of 4 goals scored.
Key Facts
- Born: 5 June 1995
- Position: Midfielder
- Draft Position: No. 78 in the 2018 national draft
- AFL Clubs: Western Bulldogs and Carlton
- Career Stats: 13 games, 4 goals
- Post-Football Career: Racehorse trainer
Career Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Height/Weight | 181 cm (5 ft 11 in) / 77 kg (170 lb) |
| Draft Year | 2018 |
| VFL Honors | 2016 Premiership, 2018 Team of the Year |
| Total AFL Games | 13 |
| Total AFL Goals | 4 |
Life After Football
Following his time in the AFL, Will Hayes transitioned away from professional sports to pursue a different passion. He has since established himself in the equestrian industry, where he currently works as a racehorse trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Will Hayes make his AFL debut?
Will Hayes made his debut on 21 April 2019, playing for the Western Bulldogs against Carlton at Docklands.
Which AFL clubs did Will Hayes play for?
He played for the Western Bulldogs (2019–2021) and was later part of the Carlton Football Club in 2022.
What were Will Hayes' career highlights in the VFL?
His VFL highlights include being a 2016 premiership player, being named in the 2018 VFL team of the year, and winning the 2018 Footscray Best and Fairest.
What is Will Hayes' current occupation?
Will Hayes is now a racehorse trainer.
How many total goals did he score in the AFL?
He scored a total of 4 goals across his 13 AFL appearances.