Another success story of the Bulldogs' VFL program, Will Hayes arrived at the Kennel with pick 78 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft. Hayes capped off an outstanding 2018 VFL season, winning the Footscray Bulldogs’ Best and Fairest. The 25-year old midfielder maintained a consistently high standard in 2018, culminating in selection on the wing in the VFL Team of the Year. He ranked second in the VFL in the same season for total uncontested possessions (16 per game) and third for total inside-50s. After five years of hard work at VFL level, he earned an AFL debut in Round 5, 2019. Hayes had two stints in the senior team, playing nine matches - including the Elimination Final against GWS - and impressing with his hard-running work-rate. He managed two senior games for the Bulldogs in season 2020.
