Daniel Hayes - our Rookie pick

[rumpole 515]

Another midfield type - exciting young Indigenous lad for Eastern Ranges.

[deedog 0]

Thanks rumpole. Beat me to the chase!

Does anyone else know anything about him?

[IvanBartul13 2,564]

He's a small winger/rover type, with plenty of pace -

[rumpole 515]

The local Free Press Leader Newspaper has an article on prospective draftees -

D-DAY FOR YOUNG TALENT

DANIEL HAYES (180cm, 70kg, Montrose)

"Hayes, a lightning-quick winger, had an interrupted season at TAC Cup level but his talent and physical attributes are undeniable. He produced top-10 results for the agility and vertical leap tests at the AIS draft camp and applied himself diligently in every challenge presented. He was a surprise selection for last year's Vic Metro team."

John Lamont (coach): "It depends on how much the AFL clubs like him. Obviously, there are a few that are interested in him because he got an invite to the camp. He worked pretty well up there; we've just got wait and see now.''

[dazzledavey36 54,944]

http://www.newsphotos.com.au/ImageDetail.asp?RefNum=20452826

looks like him and weetra will be good mates! both played in the south africa match

[deedog 0]

Great find Rumpole!

How did you come across it?

[Melon22 174]

I would consider him more of an forward pocket than a midfielder, plays a lot like Aaron Davey. Left footed player that has a great leap and came second or third in the agility test at Draft Camp. I am a little bit surprised that we picked him up but I am very happy we did, I thought we needed another forward pocket.

Played with 36 for Eastern Ranges and had a Davey style haircut in last year's TAC Cup.

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,834]

Much happier getting a speedy exciting wingman/goal sneak than a tall uncordinated unaggressive ruckman.

But for now he's Sandringham's gain, not ours.

[dazzledavey36 54,944]

If anyone has seen him play would he be a chance of becoming an afl player?

[mauriesy 7,296]

If anyone has seen him play would he be a chance of becoming an afl player?

Ummm ... why do you think he was picked?

[Nasher 33,616]

If anyone has seen him play would he be a chance of becoming an afl player?

Nah, he's no chance dazzler. The club just likes wasting money on paying talentless kids to stock up the Sandy 2's.

[Brocky 4]

Ummm ... why do you think he was picked?

Because he is possibly good mates with Weetra!!!

[Jaded No More 68,915]

Much happier getting a speedy exciting wingman/goal sneak than a tall uncordinated unaggressive ruckman.

Agreed.

Plus, he brings some more extra pace.

[DEES 0]

GREAT PICK UP, HE SOUNDS VERY EXCITING AND I HOPE HE CAN BE THE NEXT DAVEY OR SOMETYHING BETTER

[dazzledavey36 54,944]

i quite think he can make it! he sounds very exciting and now that CAC is online maybe he can give us the run down

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

GREAT PICK UP, HE SOUNDS VERY EXCITING AND I HOPE HE CAN BE THE NEXT DAVEY OR SOMETYHING BETTER

No need to shout...

Another surprise from CAC. As others have suggested, I'm glad we went for a small speedy type, even if he is a bit on the short side. I was hoping we reclaimed Gianfagna as he seemed to fit the bill, but this selection isn't a bad one either.

One thing to consider is that it's great to see the club giving all those highly rated young ruckmen a look at training. It'd be awesome to pick up a really good tall prospect who surprises everyone, but chances are if they disappointed other clubs in the past (Erickson, Fanning) they are only going to do the same with us. What's sensational is that we gave them a good hard look (albeit for only a few weeks), but didn't waste a spot on the rookie list with one of them.

Can't wait to see Hayes play.

[DEES 0]

wheres CAC or whats his login?

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

CAC1963, assuming it's him of course.

[deanox 9,922]

it is he

[dazzledavey36 54,944]

Well he was ligged on before? i thought he was gonna post but just must have been reading the comments about Hayse

[Nasher 33,616]

He was probably just reading what everyone was saying out of his own personal interest. If he wants to comment on the selection then I'm sure he will. Try not to pester the bloke, otherwise he'll feel less compelled to come on and share his thoughts than he already does.

[old55 23,576]

mojo31 on BigFooty in March this year:

Daniel Hayes

Half forward flank/wing

178kms and 66kgs

13/7/1988

Eastern Ranges

A left footed aboriginal player. Has extreme speed and agility and is a very exciting prospect. Very skillful and is classy with good kicking skills and a fine finisher in front of goal.

Started the year as a bench player and some time on the wing. Moved to the back pocket and half back flank and finally settled on the half forward flank and changing on the wing. Made the U18s team for Vic Metro. His form curtailed a little after that as can happen but picked up again at the end of the year. His last 5 games were very strong and kicked 10 goals and averaged 18 possessions. Very impressed with his game against Geelong where he kicked 5 and looked quite lethal.

What I do like about him is his workrate. With the ball he runs and carries and takes players on. Without the ball he will run and chase and tackle. Is prepared to butter up in a marking contest and apply second efforts and keep himself in the contest. I see him developing as a ball carrying wing who kicks goals. Applies defensive pressure. I dont see him just as a "burst" player out of the forward pocket and think he will have enough endurance to play midfield.

What he does have to do is really put on some weight. 66 kgs is 10 to 15 to light and he will need to hit the gym and start to change that. Hopefully he gets a bit taller as well. I really cant see him not being drafted this year. Any sort of natural improvement from him and he will go about the 3rd round in the draft. Might even move up higher than that depending on how much midfield he plays this year and his physical development.

Very fast, skillful, good footwork and workrate, decent motor and its just his size that would drop him down a little at this stage.

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,834]

mojo31 on BigFooty in March this year:

Wow what an exciting profile!!!

Wish he was on our primary list.

[DEES 0]

thanks, didn't even have a clue, just heard he was on around here at times

[dazzledavey36 54,944]

Sounds bloody exciting! hopefully he can get a taste in the Wizard cup like davey did and show us what he really is made of! perhaps instead of playing davey midfield we play this bloke instead and leave davey around neitz