SANFL premiership players Jack Hayes and James Tsitas invited to train with AFL clubs

Back-to-back premiers Woodville-West Torrens may have to plan for life without of its two best players – but coach Jade Sheedy says the Eagles have the depth needed.

Eagles dual premiership coach Jade Sheedy could be without two star players next season should they be picked up by AFL clubs. Picture: Matt Loxton

Woodville-West Torrens coach Jade Sheedy says the club will have to look internally for replacements should it lose star duo Jack Hayes and James Tsitas to the AFL.

Jack Oatey Medallist Hayes and Magarey Medallist Tsitas have been invited by St Kilda and Gold Coast respectively to train over summer in the hope of securing a list spot.

While their departures would be a significant blow to the back-to-back SANFL premiers, Sheedy said the club took great pride in its players being considered for the next level.

“They’re two of the best players at the footy club but we understand that everyone who plays in our program wants to play AFL footy and that’s why most play SANFL,” Sheedy said.

Star Eagles utility Jack Hayes will train with St Kilda over summer to try and secure a spot on its list. Picture: Sarah Reed

“I’m just really happy for two guys that have shown they deserve a chance at the next level.

“We probably won’t find out if either of them are on a list until the end of January, which makes it hard to get someone else in to replace them … it will probably have to come internally.

“But that’s OK, we feel the depth at our footy club is good enough to be somewhere around the mark next year.”

AFL clubs with list vacancies can sign players in the pre-season supplemental selection period between January 10 and March 9.

James Tsitas

St Kilda has two list spots available while Gold Coast has one.

Sheedy believed both players would be capable at the next level.

Utility Hayes was best on ground in the Eagles’ grand final victory over Glenelg this season along with captaining the SANFL state side and finishing third in the Magarey Medal.

Tsitas was the joint winner of the league’s best and fairest – alongside South’s Bryce Gibbs – and averaged 28 disposals per game in an outstanding campaign.

“Often it can come down to opportunity and there’s a lot of players in the SANFL who could potentially carve a career out at AFL level if given the opportunity,” Sheedy said.

“These two are no different. If they get an opportunity I know they’ll put everything into it.

“Their best is good enough to hold their own at the next level.”

Should Hayes be handed an AFL opportunity, the Eagles would likely lean on recruit Connor Ballenden to help fill the void.

The 200cm key forward signed at the club last month after he was delisted by Brisbane, where he played three AFL games and won the Lions’ VFL best and fairest this season.

Sheedy believed the additions of Ballenden, returning midfielder Jarred Allmond (North Adelaide) and defender Mitch Duval (West Adelaide) would give the Eagles enough firepower in their bid for a third-straight flag.