Former Carlton and Western Bulldogs AFL player Will Hayes, who has torn the competition up with Euroa across the past couple of seasons, had a small handful of appearances with Carlton’s reserves side in the back end of season 2024.
Having averaged a whopping 34.5 touches from 11 games in the black and white this year, supplemented by 13.5 contested possessions and 6.7 tackles, a second stint at IKON Park was richly deserved for Hayes and he delivered at that level all the same in his few opportunities.
Stepping up for his first VFL run in two years after starting the 2022 season on the Blues’ list, Hayes delivered an even greater average of 35.8 touches and 7.8 tackles, perhaps saving his most potent display for the final round with a 41-possession game against Richmond.
He’s no stranger to the big boys either, having already converted one VFL-listed status into AFL opportunities after being selected in the 2022 mid-season rookie draft by the senior Blues following his rich vein of form in addition to a 2016 reserves flag with Footscray.
Making more regular appearances with Carlton’s reserve outfit has been Echuca interceptor Logan Prout and he has received another deal for 2025 as well.
Prout pulled on Echuca’s green 10 times during another dominant premiership campaign for the Murray Bombers and he was no small part of that success when present with his 8.3 intercept possessions and 4.9 pressure acts an outing figuring among the league’s best.
Unlike Hayes, though, the border product spent more time in navy blue than his native colours with 12 VFL games under his belt and a third season at Carlton now secured.
Speaking to the Blues’ website, VFL coach Luke Power lauded what each export brings to the table.
“Will is an amazing mentor to our younger players,” Power said.
“The experience at both the VFL and AFL levels he brings to our side is invaluable: he’s a great person that sets a great example for our younger players.
“Logan is someone who we think is getting better every week.
“He’s played 20 games for us in his first two seasons in the VFL, including 12 this year, and he’s the kind of player who is trusted not only by us as coaches, but by his teammates out on the ground.”
While the extent of Hayes’ commitment to Euroa in 2025 is as yet unknown, with brother JD having already departed for Violet Town, the Magpie midfield absorbed another blow at the weekend.
Top ruckman Fletcher Paul has headed north of the border, making the trip to Finley for next season’s Murray Football League as he aims to bolster the Cats towards another grand final berth after the heartbreak of 2024’s epic decider.
In the same breath, the Cats acquired the signature of former GVL premiership player Nick Warnock, who tasted the ultimate success at Benalla before spending last season at White Hills in Heathcote District Football League.
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