Will Hayward’s desperate bid to play in Sydney derby could inspire Swans teammates

Will Hayward has all-but been ruled out of making a stunning comeback from a broken jaw for the Sydney derby, but his desperation to play underlines the attitude of the steely Swan.

Will Hayward has all-but been ruled out of making a stunning comeback from a broken jaw for the Sydney derby, but his desperation to play underlines the attitude of the steely Swan.

The young forward was tearing around the SCG just two weeks post-surgery, and coach John Longmire indicated Hayward might even look to get himself fitted into a helmet, so keen was he to push his case to the match committee and face GWS on Saturday night at the SCG.

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Hayward almost certainly won’t be able to help the Swans this week in a physical sense, but his presence at the Swans’ main training session and determination to prove he was right to Longmire could be inspiration enough for teammates.

Even if Hayward returns for next week’s round 7 clash against Brisbane at the Gabba it would represent an extraordinary early comeback for such a brutal injury.

Will Hayward pushing his case for a recall at Swans training. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Richmond’s Dylan Grimes wore a specially designed face mask recently following a broken nose and GWS star Shane Mumford a couple of years ago wore a helmet that protected a broken cheekbone.

Hayward’s design remains to be seen, but his toughness has already been laid bare.

“Hayward trained and trained really well, he looked really good,” Longmire said.

“He’s pushing his case hard, it’s just that’ll be a medical decision.

“I love his enthusiasm. He’s actually looking to get himself a helmet fitted at the moment.

“Ollie Florent actually thinks that might do him some good putting a helmet on. So we’ll see how that works.”

Hayward wore a fluorescent hat to remind teammates he was to be treated with care, but he looked uninhibited as he kicked and ran freely.

Losing the rising forward was a significant blow when he broke his jaw in the Swans’ only win of the season against Carlton.