Jack Hayes named West End State Captain

By ZAC MILBANK

Woodville-West Torrens superstar Jack Hayes has revealed he was ”fairly shocked” to be named West End State Captain ahead of Saturday’s clash with the WAFL at Adelaide Oval.

Despite there being as many as six SANFL club captains in the final 23-man team, Hayes got the nod due to the overwhelming respect he commands from his Statewide Super League peers.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 25-year-old said he was honoured and excited to hold the prestigious title with Port Adelaide skipper Cam Sutcliffe and Norwood captain Matthew Nunn acting as his deputies.

The most versatile and arguably the most influential player in the competition, Hayes is likely to start in attack but will be used by coach Jade Sheedy wherever he is needed depending on how the game unfolds.

Leading the competition for contested marks, Hayes is looking forward to working with Glenelg trio Liam McBean, Lachie Hosie and Luke Reynolds inside 50m, adding that all players had formed promising relationship on the training track.

A member of the victorious West End State Team in Perth two years ago, Hayes said SANFL’s aim will be to take the pace out of the game at times, to ensure they don’t play into the Sandgropers’ strength.