PROMISING Port Adelaide ruckman Sam Hayes has agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension, which will see him remain with the club until the end of 2023.
Hayes arrived at Alberton with pick 47 in the 2017 AFL National Draft from Eastern Ranges in Victoria.
The 21-year-old has yet to debut at AFL level but has played 18 SANFL games for the club, kicking 16 goals and averaging 13 disposals and 18.5 hit-outs per game.
“It was an easy decision to stay. The club has felt like home from the minute I stepped into it,” Hayes said of his new contract.
“I have a great bunch of teammates and I love the history behind the club, so I couldn’t be happier to sign on.
“It was a tough start for me doing my knee in my first year and then having no SANFL because of the COVID impact in 2020 but this year I just want to have a consistent year of footy and I’d love to make my AFL debut.”
General Manager – Football, Chris Davies was pleased that the club was able to retain Hayes for at least another couple of years.
“Sam is a smart, talented footballer who continues to develop and build his all-round game,” he said.
“Injury and the impact of COVID-19 on our SANFL program has meant Sam has yet to play a full season of league football but we have high hopes for him as part of our club’s future.”
Hayes missed much of his debut season in 2018 after suffering a season-ending knee injury at training.
The 205cm ruckman returned to full fitness midway through the 2019 season, finishing with a 26-hitout game in the SANFL Grand Final.
