With Port Adelaide opting to play Jeremy Finlayson in the ruck, what does the future hold for Sam Hayes?
The 23-year-old ruckman played seven games this year in the absence of Scott Lycett, but has been omitted in favour of makeshift options.
Lycett is edging closer to a return and remains at the top of the depth chart and with other clubs desperate for ruckmen, Kane Cornes believes Hayes’ future may lie elsewhere.
“I guess the future for Sam is at another club, probably,” Cornes told SEN SA Breakfast.
“If you are not getting an opportunity four or five years into his career and the club is electing to play a key forward in ruck over you, I think the future for Sam unfortunately is at another club.
“Now there will be clubs who will have interest in Sam because ruckmen don’t grow on trees and as we saw in the mid-season draft a lot of clubs would love them.
“Port has got one, but they’re not willing to play him. It doesn’t paint a great picture for Sam at Port Adelaide.”
Clubs like Geelong, GWS and Melbourne would likely inquire about adding to their ruck depth, while teams like Hawthorn, Carlton and Sydney have been stretched at the position this season.
The Power played mid-season draftee Brynn Teakle over Hayes on the weekend after only one week on the list.