AS THE only back-to-back All Australian in this year's draft crop, Sam Hayes is one of the best-credentialled players available.
Hayes was selected for Vic Metro as a bottom-ager last year, and was named in the team of the under-18 carnival after some impressive showings in the ruck. One game he also chipped in with three goals in a promising display.
He followed that this season to be named as the standout ruckman in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, when he averaged 15 disposals and 16 hit-outs over the four games. His numbers also stacked up well in the TAC Cup, when he averaged 16 disposals (10 contested), five marks and 25 hit-outs.
Tim English set the bar pretty high last year in terms of ruckmen having an influence around the ground, but Hayes might have upped it this year. The 202cm prospect has very good skills for a player his size and is able to contribute around the ground. A case in point was the Eastern Ranges' elimination final against Dandenong, when Hayes gathered 21 disposals to go with his 24 hit-outs.
He can also push forward and hit the scoreboard, and some recruiters believe he'll be able to spend more time near goal in the future as he gets to know that craft better. Hayes booted 16 goals in 14 games with the Ranges this season, including a haul of six when he was played predominantly in attack. That aside, Hayes' ruck work is deft, he can palm the ball the way of his midfielders, and the former basketballer has a good leap to get above his opposing big man.
Hayes will really need to improve his aerobic running before he is capable of playing as a first-choice big man at AFL level. His testing in the long-distance running at the Combine left a bit to be desired, finishing second-last in the 2km time trial with a time of 8min 22sec. He was also towards the back end of the results in the Yo-Yo test so need to build this part of his game if he's to compete consistently at the next level.
Greater Western Sydney's Rory Lobb has shown an ability to play as a ruckman and also as a key forward, so is the type of athletic player Hayes should aim to develop into.
No matter how good a ruckman's season has been, it's rare for them to get selected in the top 10. Hayes will have to be considered in that region, but if he gets past there he still looms as a top-20 pick.
Hayes is the best ruckman in the draft. When you couple that with his forward presence it's an endearing package. Will take some time but there's a lot there to work with.
