Port Adelaide youngster Sam Hayes is reportedly another ruck target that is set to go on the market come trade period 2022.
The 23-year-old big man is one of many ruckmen that could make a switch this off-season, despite only playing seven games for Ken Hinkley's Power outfit.
According to Cal Twomey ofย AFL.com.au,ย although Hayes is still contracted for 2023 rival clubs will still be sniffing around the big man as another off-season of ruck movement seems on the cards.
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The Victorian came in for first-choice Power ruck Scott Lycett in Round 5 following a shoulder injury and put up some decent displays, including a 47-hit-out performance against the beleaguered Eagles in Round 6.
He kept his spot in the side until Round 11 where he was then omitted for new arrival Jeremy Finlayson and mid-season pickup Brynn Teakle, however displayed signs of promise in the short stint he had in the side.
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As of yet, there have been no explicit suitors for the 23-year-old, however considering his place in the pecking order it might be wise for the big man to look elsewhere for football considering he is effectively fourth in the queue at Alberton.
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Throw in the fact that outcast Pie Brodie Grundy was the subject of interest from the Power until very recently, it's clear that Hayes might be surplus to requirements in Ken Hinkley's plan.
With clubs set to both offload and intake big men over trade period, Hayes may not have to look far for teams demanding his service, especially if he wants to return home to Victoria where Hawthorn are suspected to be testing the waters for a new ruckman after the retirement of dual-premiership player Ben McEvoy.
The 23-year-old joins a number of ruckmen including Dees star Luke Jackson and the aforementionedย Grundy, who could be appearing in another team's colours come 2023.
Considering the prediction that trade period 2022 is set to be a big one according to industry insiders, footy fans won't be able to say they're surprised if a host of stars explore their trade options over the off-season.
