Will Hayes Biography

Recently delisted midfielder Will Hayes has opened up on his Carlton axing, admitting it "stung" after only a brief tenure on the Blues' list.

Months after initially being axed by the Western Bulldogs, the Blues gave Hayes a career lifeline, selecting him in the mid-season draft off the back of solid form for Carlton's reserves, which was rewarded with a place in the VFL Team of the Season.

The 27-year-old was given his opportunity late in the season, coming in as the medical sub against West Coast, before getting his first start when the Blues took on Geelong a week later.

However, despite registering a career-high 23 disposals, his outing against the Cats proved to be his last, after he was offered a two-game suspension for a dangerous tackle that concussed Sam Menegola.

"I just had a few things not go my way... the suspension and everything like that. I wasn't able to hold my spot consistently in the AFL as a result of that suspension," he said.

"At the end of the day there are hard luck stories always in footy. I was just one of the fortunate ones that was able to get an opportunity in the first place."

The Western Bulldogs delist Ben Cavarra and Will Hayes but have not ruled out re-drafting them in the upcoming rookie draft.

"Ben and Will are both great characters and have shown they can have an impact at senior level," Bulldogs list boss Sam Power said.

"With the AFL's introduction of the new rookie rule, we will consider our options as to whether we will put Ben and Will on the rookie list for 2021."

Will Hayes makes his AFL debut for the Western Bulldogs at Docklands Stadium with 21 disposals (7 kicks and 14 handballs), 7 marks and a tackle in a 44-point loss to Carlton.

The Western Bulldogs select Will Hayes with pick No.78 in the 2018 National Draft.

Hayes capped off an outstanding 2018 VFL season, winning the Footscray Bulldogs’ Best and Fairest.

“We’ve had the opportunity to watch Will up close, and we’re excited to see him get an opportunity at AFL level,” Bulldogs recruiting manager Nick Austin said.

“Will has excellent ball-winning ability, has strong endurance and is strong in the contest."

Will Hayes has come into recruiters' calculations with a 2018 campaign that saw him average 26 disposals, four tackles, six handball receives and four inside 50s per game with the Bulldogs state league side.

"He's been on the radar for a few years and I reckon last year he was a bit unlucky to not get picked up," former Hawk and current media commentator Campbell Brown said of Hayes.

"I see him more as a wingman at AFL level, but players like him who read the play really well can also play across half-back.

"He's put in a body of work across three or four years which has been very consistent, so there's not much more he can do to get drafted."