AFL Draft 2024: Fremantle wingman Jeremy Sharp helps shape young Claremont star Will Hayes into top prospect

Will Hayes used to play video games with family friend and Fremantle wingman Jeremy Sharp. Now he gets advice from the hard-running Docker as he looks to join him in the AFL. Hayes is one of about a dozen AFL hopefuls from WA who are eagerly awaiting to hear if their dreams will be realised when the national draft takes place on Wednesday and Thursday. The exciting Claremont product has been mentored by Sharp throughout a turbulent draft year that has featured a few highs and lows. “I see him quite regularly. I’ve known him through my sister, they’re good mates and I used to play Fortnite with him back when I was in Year 7,” Hayes told The West Australian. “He’s been good this year for some advice. He went through it all, he’s a great bloke and a funny guy. “During the National Championships he told me to play to my strengths. He’s a winger as well, so he was telling me about he goes about it and before games his focus about what he wants to do in the game.” The 18-year-old is one of about a handful of players to be part of Claremont’s colts side that won back-to-back premierships, but there was some nervous moments for Hayes in the lead up. A broken wrist after the national championships had him touch and go for September action, but the determined teenager put in the hard work to be back two weeks earlier than expected. “My season started off well and heading into the championships I was confident. We exceeded expectations as a team,” Hayes said. “When I broke my wrist, it was disappointing. I was really focused on my rehab, trying to get back early and got back two weeks earlier than expected. “I got to play in the final against Subiaco and then the grand final which was a great win. There was a chance I’d play just the grand final, but getting back two weeks early was a great result. “As an under-age it was amazing playing with guys like (Adelaide midfielder) Dan Curtin. Going back-to-back is something I will remember for the rest of my life. It’s a great accomplishment.” Hayes has caught the attention of more than a dozen AFL clubs with his fleet footedness, pace and ability to step through traffic in a calm manner. During the national championships he averaged 13 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency earning him an invite to the national draft combine. It was in Melbourne where Hayes then excelled. He was ranked third in the agility test (7.85 seconds) and produced a three second 20m sprint. But it was the 2km time trial where he really turned heads, running a strong 6min.16 sec to finish second and show his incredible aerobic capacity. “I didn’t expect to do so well in the 2km time trial to be honest. I did one about two weeks earlier and got 6min. 30secs. and then at the combine I chopped it down by 14 seconds somehow,” Hayes said. “The agility test I wasn’t too sure how I would go but I was pretty happy with that and the 20m sprint I was happy with that too. I think I did quite well. “At the combine you’ve got recruiters watching so everyone tends to do better than if they’re running by themselves.” Hayes has developed his game over the past 12 months and will enter the AFL as a high-half forward and wingman. “If I put on some size and some weight then I reckon a move to the midfield could be something I develop into,” Hayes said. “Sam Switkowski from Fremantle is a good one (to model my game off). His work-rate is really good, he’s quick and agile and has good skills which is quite similar to me. Greater Western Sydney’s Darcy Jones is also quick and agile.”