Carlton has added to their backline stocks with the signing of GWS veteran Nick Haynes via free agency on Friday.
Haynes lands at Princes Park on a one-year deal after 13 seasons in Sydney's west, where he played 211 games for the Giants.
The 32-year-old won All-Australian and best and fairest honours following a career-best 2020 campaign, with health, injury and form setbacks limiting his appearances at AFL level since.
Carlton has lodged the paperwork to sign Nick Haynes as a free agent. Will join the Blues on a one-year deal for 2025. @AFLcomau @traderadio
— Riley Beveridge (@RileyBev) October 4, 2024
Haynes played eight games under coach Adam Kinglsey in 2024, his most recent coming in Round 24 against the Western Bulldogs prior to the Giants' unsuccessful finals series.
The inaugural Giant will now return to his home state of Victoria with his move to the Blues, with Haynes arriving as the most experienced player at Carlton in 2025.
He is in line to slot into a defensive role alongside All-Australian backman Jacob Weitering, with the Blues having shown an interest to bolster their rearguard after failing to record a finals win this year.
Paperwork approved.
Unrestricted Free Agent Nick Haynes has signed with Carlton. The GWS GIANTS will not receive any compensation.
— AFL House (@AFL_House) October 4, 2024
GWS will receive no draft compensation for the loss of Haynes.ย
His departure comes as the Giants also prepare to part with Harry Perryman (Collingwood) and Isaac Cumming (Adelaide) to free agency moves.
Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said the Club is excited to bring some addedย dimensions to the defensive group.ย ย ย
โNick adds quality to our defensive group, bringing with him valuable experience at the highest level that will complement our back half,โ Austin said.ย
โNickย has shown a high amount of resilience throughout his career, which is a testament to his strong worth ethic and his durability is a key asset we are really looking to add to our playing list during those off-season.ย ย
โWe've observed Nick closely this year and he has been clearly dominant at VFL level, we know the professional he is, his drive and proven ability to stand up as a mature player on the big stage, which makes him the perfect fit for our playing group.ย
โWe are excited to see Nick in the Navy Blue next year and see him get to work in preseason with his new teammates.โย
