Woodville-West Torrens have announced dual premiership ruckman Jack Hayes will return to the club in 2025 after three years on St Kilda's AFL list.
Hayes was delisted by the Saints last month following an injury-interrupted stint that saw him play eight AFL games as a hybrid ruck-forward.
Picked up on the eve of the 2022 season in the Supplemental Selection Period, Hayes burst onto the scene with an impressive 18 disposals and three goals on debut against Collingwood.
He played five of the first six games that season before going down with an ACL injury in Round 6, starting a run of injuries that saw him add just three more games to his tally.
Now injury-free, Hayes is poised to take the ruck mantle in 2025 following the retirement of Jarrad Redden over the off-season.
Originally from Brinkworth Spalding Redhill in SA's mid-north, Hayes played 93 games for the Eagles including the 2020 and 2021 premierships in which he was a key component.
Hayes emerged as a star of the competition in a breakout 2021 season in which he captained the SA state team, finished third in the Magarey Medal and won the Jack Oatey Medal as best on ground in the grand final win over Glenelg.
Averaging 20 disposals, three clearances and a goal per game across the 2021 campaign, Hayes proved himself one of the best utilities in the competition, playing stints in the ruck, midfield and forward line.
Speaking to the Woodville-West Torrens website, Hayes spoke passionately of rekindling his connection to the Eagles community.
“The Eagles have always been home for me. I'm so excited to come back to the club and reconnect with the team, the supporters and the whole Eagles community. I can't wait to pull on the jumper again and contribute to something special in 2025,” Hayes said.
Woodville-West Torrens CEO David Couzner mentioned the pride of welcoming home one of the club's favourite sons.
“Having Jack back is a proud moment for the club. He's not just an incredible player, he's a great person and a true leader. His decision to return shows the strength of our culture and I can't wait to see what we can achieve together in 2025,” Couzner said.
Hayes joins Kobe Mutch, Oliver Megins and Liam Puncher as additions for 2025, while Luke Thompson, Matthew Goldsworthy, Jarrad Redden, Troy Menzel, Jack Firns, Josh Morris, Josh Mawson and Dane McFarlane are among those to depart.