St Kilda confirmed the signing of Jack Hayes as a Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) acquisition on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old forward/ruck joins the Saints after dominating the SANFL with Woodville-West Torrens over the past few seasons.
Hayes’ coach at state league level, Jade Sheedy, has highlighted some of the traits he brings to the Saints while suggesting he has been one of the top few players outside the AFL system.
“I think it’s accurate. You’re always a bit biased when you coach a kid for a couple of years,” he said on SEN Mornings in February.
“Universally if you ask all the coaches and players in the SANFL, they would all say the same thing.
“He’s 6-foot-4, tough in the contest, a great contested mark, he’s really good aerobically, and can get up and down the ground.”
Hayes now makes his home at Moorabbin having helped the Eagles win the last two SANFL premierships, including a best on ground performance in last year’s Grand Final.
He also finished third in the Magarey Medal and captained the South Australian state side, operating primarily as a key forward who has been extremely effective in the ruck with his mobility a hallmark of his game.
“He played as a key forward for us and then chopped out in the ruck,” Sheedy said of Hayes’ game day role.
“He had his big games when he was in the ruck, sitting behind the footy, then the ability to go forward. He had games where he took 20 marks in the SANFL, so he’s a pretty all-rounded player for his size.
“The most important thing is he’s an absolute competitor. People say he’s a bit undersized for that level, but the way he competes, hopefully he can find a way.”
Overlooked in previous seasons, it has taken some time for AFL recruiters to get serious about Hayes.
Sheedy pointed out why that might be the case, indicating his physical attributes aren’t quite perfect to be a full-time forward or a starting ruckman.
“The worry from AFL recruiters is his size and they’re unsure where to play him,” he added.
“I think at AFL level they probably do look at your size and your athleticism.
“But what he does have is a big heart and he wills himself to every contest. He is actually a really good runner for his size.
“The knock at AFL level has been (that he is) a bit untidy with the footy and not athletic enough for the positions that he would play.”
The Saints have been impressed by his output on the track since first arriving in December and Sheedy says it ended up being a nice fit for both club and player.
“He’s played over 100 games at our footy club and been a great contributor,” Sheedy said.
“They (the Saints) talk about the person and his training, what he’s like on the track and his game. They obviously watch a lot of tape.
“I had a good chat to (Saints list boss) James Gallagher and they were looking for someone that can fill roles, whether it’s forward or back and he’s been arguably one of the best players outside the AFL for a few years, so it made sense.”
Hayes, who joins fellow former Eagle Cooper Sharman at St Kilda, has been given the no.47 jumper by the club.