In summation...
One of six debutants in 2017, Will Hayward's first season of AFL football was impressive to watch as the South Australian native mixed his athleticism and goal sense together to add another layer to the Sydney Swans' forward line.
Blessed with lightning speed, a fantastic leap, strong hands and an ability in front of goal, Hayward's first taste of league footy has given Swans supporters and the Club's coaching panel a lot to look forward to in the seasons to come.
He averaged nine disposals this season on top of tallying 22 goals, 50 marks (2.9 average) and 44 tackles (2.6 average) across his 17 games, topping off his season with a three-goal performance against Carlton in Round 23 which won him the final AFL Rising Star nomination.
Selected with Pick 21 in the 2016 National Draft, Hayward was highly regarded but he's certainly living up to the hype and will be geared for taking the next step next season.
What the numbers say...
Games: 17
Goals: 22
Kicks: 106
H’balls: 47
Marks: 50
Disposals: 153
Goal assists: 9
Tackles: 44
Inside 50s: 35
AFL Fantasy: 863 (50.8 average)
Supercoach: 828 (48.7 average)
Best performance...
Round 20 v Geelong at Simonds Stadium
Hayward was at his goal-kicking and pressure-applying best against the Cats in enemy territory, tallying 12 disposals and three goals, five tackles and several scoring involvements.
What they said...
"Looking at the vision during his draft year, we thought he was a real competitor and had great speed and that’s exactly what we saw from the first moment he trained with the team after a delayed pre-season."
- Senior coach John Longmire on Hayward's early-season impact.
In pictures...
Will Hayward (centre) celebrates his first win alongside fellow 2017 debutants Lewis Melican and Ollie Florent.
Hayward and his trademark celebration after kicking a crucial goal against Richmond in Round 13.
The Sydney Swans' two AFL Rising Star nominees Will Hayward and Lewis Melican arrive at last month's function in Melbourne.
