“We want to thank Nick for his 13 seasons at the club and he leaves with our best wishes as he looks to seek more AFL opportunities,” GWS football boss Jason McCartney said.

“As an inaugural player and life member of the club, we've watched him grow into the player, person and now father that he is today.

“We thank him for being a valuable member of our club for such a long time and we wish him and his family nothing but the best.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Nick Haynes of the Giants looks upfield during the round 22 AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at Spotless Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Haynes, an All-Australian and best and fairest winner, has played 211 games for GWS since being drafted out of Victoria - being one just six players to player over 200 games for the club.

He sits sixth on the Giants' all-time games leaderboard and featured in 14 finals during his time in the orange and charcoal.

Haynes played eight games in 2024, his most recent appearance coming in Round 24 against the Western Bulldogs.

The departure of Haynes comes after fellow backman Isaac Cumming informed the club he will explore a move to South Australia.

The 2024 free agency period will open on Friday, October 4 and will run for seven days.