St Kilda have signed Woodville-West Torrens tall Jack Hayes through the Supplemental Selection Period.
Hayes has been training at Moorabbin in recent months in hope of securing an AFL list spot for the 2022 season.
Following a sensational SANFL campaign with the Eagles last year, which saw Hayes record 26 possessions, seven clearances, 12 hit-outs, nine marks and a goal in a best-on-ground outing in the 2021 grand final, Hayes gained the attention of AFL clubs across the country.
With the Saints in hope of bolstering their key-position talent and having open lists spots for the year ahead, the club looked to dive deeper into their recruitment of South Australian prospects.
The 192cm utility is capable of playing as a forward target, in the ruck and through the middle of the ground, with Hayes averaging 19.7 disposals, 7.7 marks, 4.4 tackles, 2.4 clearances and over a goal per game last year.
The 24-year-old will join Woodville-West Torrens teammate Tyson Stengle in having linked up with an AFL club since claiming the SANFL flag last October, with Stengle having signed with Geelong as a delisted free agent.
Former AFL playersย Riley Knight,ย Kobe Mutch,ย Jesse Lonergan,ย Clay Cameron and Menzel brothers Daniel and Troy also featured in Woodville-West's side throughout 2021.
Hayes' recruitment to St Kilda continues the club's strong ties of recruitment from South Australia, having signedย Callum Wilkie, Tom Highmore, Cooper Sharman and Paul Hunter from SA in recent years.
Hunter was delisted from the Saints at the end of last season after seven matches, having been signed through the SSP after impressing with South Adelaide.
The Saints have also invited former Port Adelaide defender Jarrod Lienert and ex-Tiger Patrick Naish to contend for remaining list spots at Moorabbin this pre-season, with the SSP window closing on March 9.
Should the Saints opt to hold onto open list spots, they will be able to fill those spots through the Mid-Season Rookie Draft on June 1.
