Former Western Bulldogs midfielder Will Hayes is reportedly set to train with Carlton's throughout the pre-season after joining the Blues' reserves for 2022.
Hayes was cut by the Dogs in October, with forward Ben Cavarra joining the 26-year-old in not being offered a new deal for the upcoming season.
His second delisting in the space of 12 months, Hayes looks set to continue his fight for a career lifeline, having signed with Carlton's VFL side.
The Euroa product has also taken on managing the Flemington stable for brothers Ben and JD since having his AFL tenure brought to a halt, and is the son of racehorse trainer David Hayes.
"I'm hoping that the dream isn't done yet and a pre-season does come my way, but I'm fortunate to have a great industry to go into afterwards. And that's racing. So, I see it as a win-win," Hayes toldย RSNย last year.
"I've been around the stables since I was a little fella so that makes it second nature."
Ex-Western Bulldog turned @lindsayparkrace ๐ manager Will Hayes hasnโt given up on his AFL career.
Has signed with Carltonโs VFL side and will join parts of the AFL pre-season this summer alongside a handful of fellow reserves players.— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) January 18, 2022
According to 7 News'ย Mitch Cleary, Carlton are understood to have offered Hayes the opportunity to train under the club's AFL pre-season program ahead of the 2022 season.
The Blues are already hosting Jason Cripps, the young brother Carlton co-captain Patrick, and Eastern Ranges product Tyreece Leiu, who are both battling for the last remaining list spot this summer.
Hayes played 11 matches for the Bulldogs across three seasons at the Kennel, making his debut against the Blues in Round 5 of the 2019 season.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The 181cm onballer played a further eight matches that year before playing just the further two games in 2020 and none last year.
Hayes is set to join former Essendon forward Ned Cahill in linking up at Ikon Park for the 2022 season.
