It was a wait almost six years in the making, but Euroa supporters got the chance to catch one of their beloved talents run around in the black and white colours on Saturday.
Will Hayes made a memorable return for his junior club in the thrilling six-point triumph over Mansfield in the opening round of Goulburn Valley League.
Hayes, brother of former coach JD, showcased why he featured at AFL level with the Western Bulldogs and Carlton with an eye-catching performance in front of a packed and hostile Mansfield crowd.
The 27-year-old on-baller gathered 31 disposals, 14 of those contested, eight tackles and five clearances, 10 score involvements and booted three goals.
His day out had him rack up 118 ranking points.
Hayes was beaming post-match as he spoke about the enjoyment of running back out in the colours of his home town club.
“Yeah, 2017 against Seymour was my last game in the seniors, but it’s just good to be back for the home town and get the win first up,” he said.
“I grew up with a lot of these boys, so it’s good fun out there.
“It was a good tough contest, they came at us. It was a real game of momentum.
“They had great mids and it was whoever was able to capitalise on it (winning the midfield battle) and being such a small oval when we kicked long and direct and got it in there it resulted in goals.
“We’ve got a lot to grow from that ... as we get into the season we’re only going to get more chemistry and get stronger over the four quarters.”
Hayes’ game was one that followers have come so accustomed to seeing during his career.
The tough inside midfielder collected 14 contested disposals, 12 total groundball gets — eight of those being hardball gets — and five clearances to showcase his sublime contested game.
Hayes’ return to the Magpies strengthens the outfit’s talented on-ball brigade.
Andrew Bell finished with 18 disposals, seven clearances and six tackles, while Jett Trotter, who saw more midfield minutes, ended the game with 21 touches, four clearances and two goals while he had 76 per cent disposal efficiency.
As expected, Hayes found himself closely monitored at times during the match — something he shrugged off while pointing out that “other teammates” will cause opponents headaches.
“They were just giving me a welcome to Mansfield,” he said with a grin.
“A few of our other mids are dangerous ... Jett is an absolute star and if he can get off the chain he can really break games open. He’s a player to watch this year for me. And Belly is just so consistent and is a workhouse, lays big tackles and gets the ball forward.
“They’re both so good to play with.”
Match summary
Tackles
Mansfield: 53
Euroa: 60
Contested disposals
Mansfield: 121
Euroa: 134
Total groundball gets
Mansfield: 73
Euroa: 90
Hit-outs
Mansfield: 52
Euroa: 50
Clearances
Mansfield: 40
Euroa: 39