Fresh out of high school and into the spotlight.

Introducing Essendon's newest key defender, Lewis Hayes.

A tall, agile and reliable defender at underage level, Dons fans should be excited to see the impact the young Eastern Rangers product can have in 2023. 

Having recently turned 18, the Vic Metro product stands at 197cm tall, with future growth almost ensuing Hayes becomes another member of Essendon's two-metre club.

Selected at pick No.25 in this year's national draft, Hayes reflected as he nervously sat surrounded by friends and family waiting for his name to be called out.

“When I got called out I was pretty relieved straight away," Hayes said.

"I had my family and friends at my house during the night, so it was a pretty special moment."

Hailing from the Eastern Rangers, Hayes played every NAB League game before being selected for Vic Metro.

Hayes will also be surrounded by a host of familiar faces, having played alongside fellow Dons draftees Elijah Tsatas and Alwyn Davey Jnr, with the trio enjoying an undefeated Under 18s championships and Premiership shared between them.

After modelling his game to the likes of Darcy Moore and Allir Allir, Hayes displayed his potential across 11 NAB League games this year and was named at full back in the competition's Team of the Year.

And Hayes will continue to refine his craft, admitting training with his now teammates as an eye-opening experience. 

“I look up to a lot of guys in the AFL, even watching my new teammates, Zerk-Thatcher and Ridley, how they train, the way they go about it and how they prepare, it’s pretty cool training with them and looking up to them,” Hayes said.

Hayes has also been helped by older brother and current Port Adelaide ruckman Sam Hayes.

The young defender believes having a sibling in the system will be provide extra motivation to make the most of his opportunity. 

“My mum and dad are obviously my biggest supporters, they’ve been massive throughout my career. My older brother is also in the system, which has helped me heaps,” Hayes said.

“Him (Sam) being my older brother, when I saw him get drafted, it motivated me to be there with him, and be at the highest level. So having your older brother there is obviously pretty special.”

Donning the No.18, Hayes has been working closely with the previous incumbent of the famous guernsey, Michael Hurley.

Hurley, who remained at the club as a development coach, has been a strong source of knowledge in Hayes' early stages.

“I got the word Michael Hurley was going to be my mentor as soon as I got drafted. He gave me his No.18 which is pretty special,” Hayes said.

“I’m starting to work with him as the days go on, but I’m also trying to use as many coaches around me as I can to help develop my game.”

Like the rest of the newest Dons, Hayes is eager to progress and gel with the side, as well as prove himself to new senior coach Brad Scott.

“It’s all very exciting, I think I’m coming into the club at the right time, having a new coach in 'Scotty' is pretty special as well, and the new game play and style we’re trying to emulate has been pretty cool,” Hayes said.

“I really believe I’m stepping in the door at the right time, there are exciting times ahead for sure.”

Living with Andrew Phillips for the time being, Hayes does not look out of place amongst more seasoned campaigners.

Only finishing year 12 this year, 2022 has already been a whirlwind of excitement for the young defender, but as all focused athletes do, Hayes is already looking ahead to 2023

“My goals for (2023) are just to try and learn as much as I can and become a better footballer as well as a better person, hopefully I can crack into the side, that would be pretty special as well,” Hayes said.

“I’m just trying to learn and develop my game as much as I can and mature my body as much as I can and hopefully I can crack into the side.”