On the back of a heartbreaking Goulburn Valley League grand final loss to Echuca, next season’s outlook at Memorial Oval is already looking bright, with news prodigal son Will Hayes has committed to Euroa full-time for season 2023.
Hayes was recently delisted by Carlton after two AFL appearances for the Blues after being selected in the mid-season rookie draft, coming on as the medical sub against West Coast, before getting his first start when Carlton took on Geelong a week later.
Despite registering a career-high 23 disposals, his outing against the Cats would be his last, after he was offered a two-game suspension for a dangerous tackle that concussed Sam Menegola.
But as one door closes, another one opens and Euroa coach Scott Rowan said the club was thrilled to have Hayes back in black and white.
“We’re very excited to have him back,” Rowan said.
“He had a crack at AFL last year and would’ve been with us last year, but got that opportunity.
“We’re disappointed for him that he didn’t get to have that further opportunity at Carlton, but we’re definitely happy to have him full-time.”
Hayes returns to Euroa with 13 AFL games to his name and a wealth of experience at VFL level, including a 2018 premiership, best-and-fairest gong and Team of the Year nomination at Foostcray.
Rowan said he would be keen to utilise his elite-level knowledge and experience for the club’s younger playing group next year.
“We’ve got a lot of good kids coming through the ranks at Euroa and he’s pretty keen to get back and work with them,” he said.
“He’ll help get them up to that standard of training that they need to be at to try and further their career as well.
“He’s going to be fantastic around the club for us.”
With brother JD expected to take on more of an involvement at family stable Lindsay Park next year, Rowan said he and and the club would have to wait and see how often the brothers would run out together next year.
“JD’s commitments are pretty large (at Lindsay Park) each and every year,” Rowan said.
“I know that he certainly wants to play, he says he’ll be available a lot more than what he has been the last couple of years — that’s a massive bonus for us it if it pans out.
“We’re not exactly planning for it, we’re expecting him to play more than what he has, but we’re certainly not relying on him to be there.”
With JD’s playing commitments still up in the air, Will is anticipated to feature each and every Saturday for the Pies next season, bolstering an already formidable list.
“Will’s still learning the business, so we’re expecting to have Will every week,” Rowan said.
“He’s living on the farm, his job is more Monday to Friday, whereas JD is on the weekends as well.
“He’s (Will) coming in as a full-time footballer, we know him being available on Saturdays won’t last forever, but certainly next season we’re expecting him to be available every weekend.”