Hayes Engineering the Ultimate Success

By ZAC MILBANK

Woodville-West Torrens forward Nick Hayes admits the pain of the past is driving him to taste the ultimate success as he approaches his 100th Statewide Super League game on Saturday.

The ultra-consistent, and durable, forward has been quick to rack up 99 matches with the Eagles since making his League debut in Round 1 of 2015.

But as he prepares to face North Adelaide at Prospect, the 25-year-old has been forced to deal with two Grand Final losses, a straight-sets finals exit and a controversial Preliminary Final defeat to the Roosters in 2018.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Hayes expressed his determination to achieve win a Statewide Super League premiership to sit with those earned with the Eagles U18 side in 2012 and Brisbane Lions’ Reserves in 2013.

And it would be all the more special alongside younger brother Jack, the eldest of his four brothers who have all lined up with local club Brinkworth Spalding Redhill (BSR).

Now working for Fulton Hogan as a qualified Civil Engineer, Hayes has been a fan favourite at Oval Avenue due to his ability to take a strong overhead mark for his height of 188cm.

The Eagles’ No.7 is ”absolutely loving” everything new coach Jade Sheedy has brought to the club as the side is brimming with confidence after a 2-1 start to the season.