Western Bulldogs' Cooper Hynes played 23 out of a possible 25 games in just his second season at AFL level.
Although Hynes was drafted with Pick 20 as a midfielder in 2024, the 20-year-old adapted his game in 2026 to become more versatile and run his patterns as a winger.
The Bulldogs are flushed for centre line depth with the likes of Marcus Bontempelli, Ed Richards, Matt Kennedy, Joel Freijah, Ryley Sanders and (before retiring) Tom Liberatore demanding midfield roles.
With star recruit Zak Butters joining the mix next season, Hynes' move to the wing appears to be a smart decision to help secure his place in a talent-laden starting 23.
Speaking to Western Bulldogs Media, Hynes said he leaned on two key figures at the club to help him grow as a wingman.
"I went to Bailey Williams straight away and picked his brains. He is a really reliable player and someone I look up to a lot," Hynes said.
"He was someone I gravitated to pretty early and asked him questions about what his mindset was and how he treated the wing.
"Jarryn Geary was the other one. The coach that I do my weekly review with, he has been unreal as well for me.
"I have loved being on the wing. I made the move about halfway through the year. First couple of weeks it took me some adjusting to learn the role and what the team expected from me, but I felt really comfortable there.
"Once I did get my head around what was required of me it allowed me to play my natural game and have an impact in some games which was good."
Across the final six games of the season, including two finals, Hynes averaged 18.8 disposals and kicked just shy of a goal a game (five) to cement his role on the wing.
The 190cm Dog said the first time he felt he was able to contribute to the team and impact a match was his first game at the MCG against Hawthorn in Round 13 when he had a then-career high 21 disposals.
"I think the Hawthorn game at the G that we came back from behind and won," he said.
"That is probably the first game at the level where I really made an impact. It gave me a lot of confidence and it helped me (believe) for the next few weeks that I could do it."
