Nick Haynes came across from the GWS Giants in the off season to bolster Carlton's back six, allowing the club to offload a few list cloggers who were deemed not up to AFL standard. Perhaps Haynes' best years are behind him but he brings plenty of experience, albeit he had a shocker in round 1 in the embarrassing loss to the rebuilding Tigers. On paper he is an upgrade from Caleb Marchbank, so maybe it is Michael Voss' defensive system that is the problem? Either way, Haynes is in danger of becoming a fan whipping boy and accused of clogging the list himself.
Nick Haynes came across from the GWS Giants in the off season to bolster Carlton's back six, allowing the club to offload a few list cloggers who were deemed not up to AFL standard. Perhaps Haynes' best years are behind him but he brings plenty of experience, albeit he had a shocker in round 1 in the embarrassing loss to the rebuilding Tigers. On paper he is an upgrade from Caleb Marchbank, so maybe it is Michael Voss' defensive system that is the problem? Either way, Haynes is in danger of becoming a fan whipping boy and accused of clogging the list himself.
Nick Haynes can be one of the most damaging defenders in footy when at his best in a properly structured side, zoning off a lesser opponent to intercept at will. This year GWS has been hit by injuries in key posts - not the first time by any means - and he has sometimes been forced to play too accountably on tall opponents to the detriment of his creative skills on the counter. While Tom Stewart takes the headlines for playing a similar role in a more settled side, Haynes could be equally lucrative for fantasy owners if his club gets a bit more luck.
Haynes crosses the paint
Thanks to a damaging final six games going at 91 points, Nick Haynes produces a career-best season. He changed gears yet again in the last two finals with 118 and 119 respectively, thanks to a 12-mark average. That purple patch was largely due to less accountability, whereas he'd produced a number of disappointing scores when tightly manning opponents in games and years gone by. Haynes has now proved his fantasy potential. An improving Sam Taylor allows Haynes a touch extra freedom and, with the fractured larynx now well forgotten, he can take the park with full confidence. While he shouldn't be reached for, Haynes would make a perfect defensive-line filler with a pick in the latter half of the draft.
Haynes on level plane
Struggling with numerous injuries throughout his career, Nick Haynes enjoyed his first full season at the elite level, claiming that pilates saved his career. Played forward as a junior, Haynes reached the top 20 for rebound 50s last season positioned either on the third tall forward or as an intercepting loose man. He struggled this preseason with a persistent back complaint. Given his injury history, expect the club to take their time managing Haynes’ return. With highly-credentialled smaller teammates patrolling the half back line, the Giant has relied heavily on intercept possessions rather than build up play as a means for offensive involvement. Haynes is only worth a very late selection as a dependable back up option.
