Statewide Super League Top 50 – No.37

By ZAC MILBANK

There isn’t much Woodville-West Torrens forward Jack Hayes can’t do on a football field.

Despite measuring in at 194cm and 93kg, the 24-year-old loves getting his hands dirty at the bottom of the packs should the ball hit the deck inside 50m.

It’s easy to see why Hayes was the Eagles’ runner-up Club Champion last year considering he throws his frame relentlessly into contested aerial situations.

Often his team’s lone marking option in attack, the high-flying forward was still able to kick 25 goals last season despite attracting plenty of attention from opposition defenders.

And it is the versatility he possesses which also makes him so valuable, considering he averaged nearly 15 disposals, 6.5 marks and 4.5 tackles in 2019, exceptional numbers for someone of Hayes’ stature.

A member of the victorious West End State team in Perth last year, Hayes can also be thrown into the ruck as a pinch-hitter such is his natural leap and willingness to turn himself into an extra midfielder at the stoppages.

Selected by SANFL Media Producer Zac Milbank, the 2020 Statewide Super League Top 50 is being unveiled one player at a time on the League’s website and social media channels.

Form across the 2019 season was used as a significant factor in the selection process, with those winning awards such as best-and-fairests, being selected in State squads and leadership groups also looked upon favourably.

Recruits to the Statewide Super League have also been included, with significant AFL experience another element in deciding the order of players.

37 – Jack Hayes (Eagles)
38 – James Rose (South)
39 – Robbie Young (North)
40 – Andrew Bradley (Glenelg)
41 – Tom Schwarz (North)
42 – Matthew Panos (Norwood)
43 – Brad Agnew (Glenelg)
44 – Cole Gerloff (Norwood)
45 – Matthew Wright (Adelaide)
46 – Dean Gore (Sturt)
47 – Tom Keough (West)
48 – Jesse Lonergan (Eagles)
49 – Alex Spina (North)
50 – Logan Hill (West)