Delisted Port Adelaide ruckman Sam Hayes has returned to Victoria to continue his football career, signing with VAFA outfit University Blues.
Hayes was one of seven Power players not to be offered a new contract for the 2024 season as the South Australian club worked through a busy off-season of player movement.
Port Adelaide would cut Hayes and fellow ruckman Brynn Teakle, while veteran Scott Lycett announced his retirement as the Power looked to overhaul their ruck department.
Hayes played 11 games for the Power across six seasons with the club, making his debut in 2022 against Carlton.
The Ferntree Gully junior averaged 29.29 hitouts and 7.71 disposals across seven appearances that year, with his last four matches for the Power coming the season after.
Hayes would not feature at senior level in his final year with the club, instead playing a dozen matches for Port Adelaide's SANFL side.
Following his delisting at Alberton, the 24-year-old has reportedly ventured back to Victoria for 2024 to sign with University Blues, according toย News Corp'sย Paul Amy.
VAFA: A big boost for Uni Blues, gaining 205cm ruckman Sam Hayes from Port Adelaide. Made his AFL debut in 2022 and went on to play 11 games for the Power, including four last year.
— Paul Amy (@PaulAmy375) February 8, 2024
The Blues managed to reach the penultimate week of the season last year after amassing a 13-win home and away campaign, eventually falling to St Kevins.
The famous Victorian club was home to a plethora of ex-AFL figures last season, with Martin Gleeson, Sam Grimley, Tom Cutler and Cam O'Shea all featuring for the Blues.
While squads for the coming season are yet to be finalised, the Blues will at least add further AFL experience in the form of Hayes, a 205cm ruckman.
The University Blues are set to face Old Brighton for their first game of 2024, scheduled to take place at Brighton Beach Oval on Saturday, April 13.
