Jack’s journey to 100 games

By ZAC MILBANK

Jack Hayes admits his admirable versatility was initially his stumbling block in being selected for Woodville-West Torrens’ League team.

As he prepares for his 100th Hostplus SANFL League game against South Adelaide at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval on Saturday, Hayes reflected on the 40 Reserves matches he played before making his debut at the start of 2017.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 29-year-old said he found it tough to break into Michael Godden’s high-performing outfit as a key forward, prompting him to develop his skills as an under-sized ruckman.

But once he got his start, Hayes thrived in his dual role as a major factor behind the Eagles’ back-to-back premierships in 2020 and 2021.

For the boy from a cropping farm just outside of Redhill in the State’s mid-north, Hayes finds it difficult to pick his favourite flag given he lined up with brother Nick in 2020 before winning the Jack Oatey Medal as best afield in 2021.

His stunning performance in 2021, while playing with a fracture in his leg, elevated him into the minds of AFL scouts, with St Kilda pouncing ahead of the 2022.

Unfortunately for Hayes, after an exciting debut which yielded 18 disposals and three goals against Collingwood, he would only manage a total of eight AFL games with the Saints in his three years, largely due to a series of injures including an ACL.

However, it has opened up an unlikely opportunity to reunite on-field with older brother Nick at Oval Avenue, as they chase a second premiership together in 2025.

It would be a fitting finale for the pair, who one day hope to line up with their other siblings Luke, Cooper and Ryder for their beloved Brinkworth Spalding Redhill Tigers in the North East Football League.