Selected in the 2024 AFL National Draft, Will Hayes has become one of the promising young talents at Collingwood Football Club. His journey from Western Australia, through the WAFL Colts, to donning the black and white for the Magpies is characterised by speed, agility, and a clear readiness to make his mark in the AFL. With his debut on the horizon and his playing style already attracting attention, Hayes represents an exciting asset for Collingwood’s forward line and midfield rotations.
From WAFL to Draft Night Success
Before joining Collingwood, Hayes made his name playing for Claremont Football Club in the WAFL Colts competition, where his intelligent running patterns, endurance and ability to break lines stood out. He played 10 games in the 2023 season as a bottomage player, averaging around 18 disposals and making a clear impact inside the contest. His performance at the AFL Draft Combine further raised his profile Hayes finished third in the agility test and clocked 616 in the 2 km time trial, highlighting his elite athletic traits.
At the 2024 National Draft, Collingwood used pick No. 56 to select Hayes, marking their third take of the night and addressing a key need for speed and rebound in their game plan. According to club insiders, Hayes was a unanimous selection around the room as he offered the dynamism the Magpies sought.
Profile and Style of Play
Hayes stands at 180181 cm and brings a blend of pace, versatility and skill. He is identified primarily as a small forward or wingman, someone who can create forward pressure, deliver inside50 entries, and rebound from defence when required. The description of him as a jack in the box with elite running patterns captures the club’s belief in his capacity to impact matches early.
Key Attributes
- Exceptional agility, as demonstrated by his Combine results with a 7.85 seconds agility time.
- Strong endurance and capacity to cover ground, highlighted by his 2 km trial time and WAFL statistics.
- Ability to kick inside50 with precision and break lines, as observed in training simulations and VFL games.
These traits align well with Collingwood’s desired style of play fast transitions, forward pressure, and rebound capability which positions Hayes as a longterm asset. His youth and athleticism suggest that with proper development, he could become an important contributor.
Debut and Early Career at Collingwood
The club announced that Hayes would make his AFL debut in Round 11 of 2025, becoming Collingwood player number 1198 when he took to the field against North Melbourne Football Club at Marvel Stadium. The announcement came just days after his 19th birthday, capping off a memorable week for the young draftee.
Prior to his debut, Hayes had averaged approximately ten disposals and a goal per game across seven VFL appearances, signalling his readiness for senior level. His standout VFL game included three goals against an opponent, indicating his goalsense and attacking potential.
In one club feature titled Hayes in a Daze, he reflected on the whirlwind of recent years from his viral draft moment where his family reacting live went global, to his first days living and training in Victoria. He acknowledged the support of the club, teammates and mentors in helping him settle in and focus on growth.
Contract Extension and Club Commitment
Recognising his promise, Collingwood secured Hayes on a twoyear contract extension, locking him in until at least 2028. This move underlines the club’s belief in his future and willingness to invest in his development.
In club statements, the Magpies’ list management and coaching staff noted that Hayes and another young recruit had impressed during their first season and were deemed fantastic additions to the program. The extension gives Hayes security and time to grow into a more regular role.
Challenges and Areas for Development
Like many young draftees transitioning to senior AFL football, Hayes faces a number of challenges that will shape his growth. These include body strength, consistency, decisionmaking under pressure and adapting to the speed and physicality of the AFL.
- Physical developmentAt around 180 cm and still filling out physically, Hayes will need to build strength to handle contested situations and defensive pressure.
- ConsistencyEarly signs are promising, but regular senior games and performance delivery will be key for Hayes to establish himself.
- DecisionmakingAs a forward and wingman, the ability to read the play, choose the correct option under pressure and execute will determine his longterm impact.
- Defensive pressureModern forwards and wingers are expected to apply defensive pressure and contribute to turnover chains; developing this aspect will enhance Hayes’ value.
Club insiders have noted that while Hayes has shown moments of brilliance, his progression will depend on how he handles this next phase of his career regular senior training, match exposure and a sustained rhythm of improvement.
Outlook and What to Expect
Looking forward, the expectations for Hayes are measured but optimistic. While he may not yet be slated for a fulltime senior role, the next one to two seasons will be critical for his development and for Collingwood to assess his readiness for a regular place.
ShortTerm Goals
- Secure consistent VFL minutes with strong stats disposals, inside50s, goals and defensive pressure.
- Take advantage of senior game opportunities when they arise and show capability to impact the match.
- Build strength and conditioning to cope with the demands of senior football.
LongTerm Potential
If Hayes continues to develop his body, improve consistency and refine his decisionmaking, he could evolve into a highly valuable dualrole player capable of switching between wing and forward. His speed and agility offer a different dynamic to Collingwood’s forward line, and his youth suggests several years of upward trajectory.
Impact on Collingwood’s List Strategy
The drafting of Hayes and his subsequent extension reflect strategic thinking by Collingwood’s list managers. The club aimed to address speed, depth in attack and the renewal of younger contributors. Hayes fits these priorities perfectly coming from Western Australia, offering athletic upside, and aligning with the Magpies’ game plan moving forward.
His progress also provides reassurance for supporters that the club is committed to injecting youth and athleticism while maintaining a competitive window. As older players transition out or reduce their roles, players like Hayes represent the next wave of talent. If developed well, he can play a meaningful role alongside the established core of the Magpies.
Will Hayes’ draft journey from the WAFL to joining Collingwood and making his AFL debut is a story of talent, hard work and opportunity. With elite agility, strong endurance and a promising start to his professional career, he is well placed to develop into a regular contributor. At the same time, there remain challenges to overcome physical development, consistency and role clarity will shape his progression. Collingwood’s commitment to him via a contract extension signals faith in his potential and gives Hayes a platform to grow. For Magpies fans and football observers, Hayes represents an exciting prospect a young, fast, skilful footballer ready to carve a place in one of the AFL’s leading clubs.