Hayes posted 35 in the MCG draw against Hawthorn — slightly above his 32 average in a tight contested arm-wrestle, and he was still doing his crumbing work. But he's been dropped for R9 to make room for returning big names — Pendlebury, Howe, McCreery all back in means the depth squeeze is real. He'll fight to regain selection but you can't hold a FWD rookie through an omission. Sell now and recycle the cash.
Will Hayes
Will Hayes
FWDJack Henderson
FWDDecision
Should I trade Will Hayes?
Form, breakeven, and a comparable replacement weighed up.
Recent intel
Will Hayes impressive in R10 vs Sydney as a small forward — praised for goal sense, pressure acts, and skills. Community calling for him in every week for the rest of the season. Multiple comments highlight his 'proper small forward' instincts and potential to be great.
Will Hayes omitted from Collingwood's team to face Geelong in Round 9 despite being in form (4 goals in 3 games). Community considers the omission stiff; dropped to make room for returning Pendlebury, Howe, McCreery.
Will Hayes praised as a crafty small forward who gets to right spots, kicks goals, and applies good pressure. Commenters argue he should hold his spot until Bobby Hill returns. Multiple high-score comments single him out as a genuine find for Collingwood.
Will Hayes praised as one of the young stars of the R7 win vs Essendon, kicking goals early when the heat was on. Seen as a future fixture with Steene, Anderson and Steele as the core of Collingwood's next generation.
Will Hayes had a career-best game performance in R7 vs Essendon, described as a "STUD" and having an impressive game from the first quarter onwards. Multiple commenters highlighted his work leading up forward and general play.
Will Hayes praised for a smart and physically committed performance against Carlton, described as giving Collingwood something they have been missing in the small forward role while Bobby Hill is out. Building impact across the game.
Will Hayes had a high-impact Q4 vs Carlton — crumbing goal and multiple impactful moments. Community notes "Hayes will be the highlight of this game", "insane potential", and that he needs bulk-up time but the class is evident. Multiple references in Collingwood youth discussion thread.
What people are asking about Will Hayes
- Which Collingwood players should be dropped and who should come in after the heavy Round 9 loss to Geelong?105UnknownTop: Drop seniors, bring in youth (Allan, West, Hayes) (40%)
- Is Oscar Steene worth picking up given his R6 ruck-forward breakout?31O. SteeneFWDTop: Pick him up immediately (70%)