Two years under his belt and showing plenty of promise. 

Young defender Lewis Hayes enjoyed a strong second year as a Bomber, becoming a reliable pillar in a VFL defensive unit that hit their stride in the back half of the season. 

After being named the VFL Bombers’ Best First Year Player in 2023, the 19-year-old took home second place in the club’s VFL Best and Fairest this year, an impressive feat especially for a key position player still in his teens. 

For Hayes, this level of early consistency and a growing body of work against more experienced opponents is holding him confident in his trajectory going forward. 

“I think it was strong year. I really enjoyed it and there was a great group in the VFL,” Hayes said. 
 
“Being able to play basically every (VFL) game, the continuity has been massive for me. I think it is one of my strengths. 

“(It’s been about) just being able to stay out there and keep taking the right steps forward.” 

With constant development at the forefront of his mind, the 199cm Hayes has been a sponge throughout his first two years in an elite AFL environment. 

Leaning on his line coaches and teammates, Hayes has taken plenty from Development Coach and former All-Australian defender Michael Hurley, as well as a group of current senior defenders. 

“Obviously I look straight to my coaches (for advice). Michael Hurley’s been massive for me this year and I have worked a lot with him and (Defensive Coach) Ben Jacobs,” Hayes said. 

“You also look at the players as well, Ben McKay coming into the club has been huge and Jordan Ridley and Mason Redman are other guys I’ve worked a little bit with as well.” 

While Hayes understands the importance of biding his time, there is no doubt in his mind that he is ready and eager to make the next step and compete at the AFL level. 

Excited by the prospect of a future AFL debut, Hayes is aware he still has areas of growth ahead of him and understands that continued hard work will help shape him going forward. 

 “I think I've done my apprenticeship and I'm ready to go next year,” Hayes said. 
 
“The main (area of my game to focus on) was probably my marking craft. Being a little bit slimmer, I've got to hold up in contest, so being able to use my footwork well and use my body’s attributes to my advantage.”  

“I've also worked hard on my offensive game, trying to take that to the next level, because that's ultimately what's going to get me to be successful at the next level.” 

With his third AFL pre-season fast approaching, Hayes is raring to get back to the club and keep putting in the work that will allow him to get his first taste of senior footy. 

“Hopefully I can come in next year ready to go with both hands and really claim one of those key defensive spots at AFL level,” Hayes said. 

“It's a work in progress, and I understand that, but I just need to keep doing what I'm doing in order to get better.”