Sydney forward Will Hayward says his inclusion in the Swans 2023 leadership group is a 'proud moment' and is looking forward to continuing to learn from some of the best leaders in the game as he goes into his seventh season.

The 24-year old is the sole new face to the Swans eight-man leadership group which will once again be led by co-captains Luke Parker, Dane Rampe and Callum Mills. 

"To get voted in by the players is a proud moment and I hope I can repay them this year," Hayward said.

"I want to help the boys and play my role each week and keep them accountable on what they are meant to be doing on and off the field," Hayward said.

Originally from South Australia, Hayward joined Sydney as pick 21 in the 2016 National Draft and in his six seasons has registered 114 games and kicked 134 goals.

Since 2017 Hayward has been led by some greats of the football club and credits their leadership in his football journey to date.

"I've had amazing leaders since I have been here with Kieren Jack, Jarrad McVeigh and Joey (Josh Kennedy) and our current captains (Luke Parker, Dane Rampe and Callum Mills), so to be able to learn off them has been awesome."

Will Hayward and Luke Parker celebrating a goal in 2017, Hayward's first season.

 

Hayward said his leadership style is still evolving but says a strength of his is good relationships within the playing group. 

"Everything I do comes from a place of care and passion for the club and people, " Hayward said.

"People like Macca (Jarrad McVeigh) and Paps (Tom Papley) have been really good in showing me that and teaching me that so I am really grateful.

"I can also relate to the younger boys coming through,  I have had a few injuries and been dropped a few times, so I feel like I can relate to people and be able to talk to the teammates about different things."

Hayward played every game in season 2022, his most appearances in one season since 2018 when he missed just one game. 

His six seasons haven't been without downs however and has been in and out of the senior side on occasions and had to work hard cement a place in John Longmire's best 22.

"Little moments like that, I probably wouldn't be here (in the leadership group) without that month I didn't play in the seniors," Hayward said.

"It taught me a lot about standards and knowing my role in the team and not needing to go outside of that. Little things like that are blessings in disguise."

Will Hayward and Kieren Jack during the 2019 season.

As the pre-season nears a close and Round 1 approaches, Hayward and the rest of the Swans turn their attention to two practice matches, the first, a match simulation against Brisbane on Friday before an official practice match on Friday March 3 against Carlton at Blacktown.

"It's an exciting time of the year when the trial games start,"Hayward said.

"Running around an oval is only so fun for a while so when we get into the competitive stuff it's really good. 

I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing the Swans fans out and about in coming weeks, I can't wait."

 

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