With the unfortunate incident to Jordan Bannister, in which he required surgery on a dislocated shoulder, there was an opportunity for the coaching staff to elevate a rookie-listed player to the senior team. Bannister was placed on the long-term injury list four weeks ago. For Haynes, a second chance on an AFL list has proved to be successful. Haynes, a rookie listed this year and a former Richmond listed player, has been both promoted to the senior list and has been selected in the senior side to play Carlton this Saturday.
Essendon recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro is extremely pleased for Haynes to get a senior opportunity, considering how hard he has worked. ""The thing that people probably forget is that he played in an Essendon reserves premiership in 1999 as an under-18 top-up player. He was one of the best players in that grand final and still missed being drafted. It is a really good story and one of a guy who has just persevered and has been really hungry to make it,” Dodoro said.
Some supporters will remember Haynes from this year’s Wizard Cup, in which he played many pivotal roles in the team's games. Tragedy then struck Haynes, with a dislocated shoulder putting him on the sidelines for many weeks to come. ""His preseason form was as good as anyone at the club. He played really well against the Kangaroos when we got beaten in Canberra. but he was one of the shining lights. He was in really good form against St.Kilda in the preseason match until he dislocated his shoulder.”
A strong desire to get back, fully fit, and an enjoyment of playing good football has helped Haynes in his recovery process. Upon his return to the Bendigo Bombers, the midfielder had been used on and off the bench to obtain match fitness. Now well recovered, Haynes is helping the Bendigo Bombers make a late run to the VFL finals, with the Bombers winning the last four games, in which Haynes has played essential roles. His game last week in the VFL delivered 37 possessions and three goals in a best on ground performance.
“In his four games back for the Bendigo Bombers he has averaged 30 touches a game and played a major part in the emergence of the Bendigo Bombers over the past few weeks,"" Dodoro said.
Unlucky to miss out on the senior spot are Toby McGrath, Ken Hall, and Courtney Johns, the other rookies up for selection. (Scott Howard and Adrian Wilson are injured). McGrath, brother of Essendon forward Cory, has been in sparkling form in the VFL and was unlucky to miss out. The exciting prospect in Johns is still recovering from an injury where he chipped the top of his femur bone off (thighbone). Johns is seen as a promising key position player and the club has been impressed by the 18 year old West Australian desire to get back fit. For Hall, who has played senior football last year, it seems an opportunity has gone begging, as his form lately for Bendigo has been outstanding, and as he turns 23 later this year, this is the last year in which he can be rookie listed.
""The good thing about Essendon is that over the past couple of years we have been able to find players via the rookie draft. Then if the opportunity presents itself and the coaching panel thinks the rookie is worthy of being selected, they have got an opportunity. In my time at the club we have had Dean Rioli, Mark Johnson, Damien Peverill, Cory McGrath and Ken Hall all come off the rookie list and now Ben Haynes,"" Dodoro said.
Time will tell whether Haynes can recapture the same form he had in the Wizard Cup earlier this year. Against formidable opponents in Carlton, who always seem to lift against the Bombers, we certainly wish him all the best.
