The nephew of St Kilda great Lenny Hayes has bolted into AFL Draft contention following promising form for Southport during the 2025 VFL season.
Never previously part of a talent pathway or state league program, Tai Hayes was spotted by Southport dominating for Palm Beach Currumbin in the QAFL, and he's played all but one game for the Sharks in 2025.
A breakout 2024 QAFL season in the midfield came after a late growth spurt, but he has settled on the wing at VFL level where his piercing left foot kicking is viewed as a weapon.
The 183cm Hayes has averaged 17 disposals, five marks and two tackles, while kicking seven goals and impressing with his ability to help out defensively.
“He's lightly framed, but he can run hard both ways for us, he's happy to put his body on the line on the ground or in the air – he has pretty good aerial strength too,” Southport coach Matthew Primus told Zero Hanger.
“He's got a good leap and height to him, so he's got quite a few good attributes.”
Those attributes have piqued the interest of AFL clubs, with Hayes receiving a state combine invite, to take place in October, where he'll get to show off his athletic capabilities.
Given his lack of previous pathway experience, clubs currently don't have data on his athletic testing.
He showed a capacity to play across the ground across his career before Southport settled him on the outside, and he has had the chance to learn off former Collingwood-listed Michael Manteit and seasoned VFL footballer Jackson Edwards.
“We probably didn't think he would play every game, and to play the level he has,” Primus said.
“He's got a great nature and is willing to learn.”
The youngster is also one of the leading contenders for the VFL's Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal, awarded to the most promising player aged 24 years or under.
Sam Davidson won it in 2024, becoming the 18th consecutive winner of the award to go on and play AFL.
Other leading contenders include Richmond VFL duo Harry Scott and Massimo Raso, Frankston's Tom Blamires, Sandringham's Jonah Campigli, Geelong VFL's Tobyn Murray and Coburg midfield duo Joel Trudgeon and Flynn Gentile.
Another Shark in contention is Nick Williams, who was humming in Southport's backline, attracting some AFL interest before his momentum was stymied by a broken wrist, while Matthew Primus has also been impressed by forwards Campbell Lake and Charlie Rowe as young players with bright futures.
Matthew Primus on…
Nick Williams: "His ability to intercept and play on small guys or big forwards has been important for us. The flexibility of that is really important, and he has a great engine and great nature to him. I think he's got a great opportunity, I think he could play at the higher level up. His strengths are his toughness, his ability to run all day and ability to read the flight of the ball, and we put some onus on him to come out of his shell."
Campbell Lake: “He had a good first half of the year as a pressure forward and played in the state game, which gave him great belief about where he sits.”
Charlie Rowe: “He's been terrific. He's never really played forward before, but he's diligent with his craft and has definitely improved and added another string to his bow. He's moved up here and fitted in really well.”
