Nick Haynes on why he stayed at GWS Giants, fatherhood and his AFL premiership dream

Entering the final year of a multimillion-dollar contract, Nick Haynes’ GWS future was the subject of intense speculation during the off-season. He reveals why he stayed in western Sydney.

Portrait of Nick Haynes who will play his 200th game for the GWS Giants against Sydney. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only – **NO ON SALES** – ©Phil Hillyard )

Giants' defender Nick Haynes was determined to prove his value to Adam Kingsley over the pre-season despite suggestions he was on the way out of GWS.

The 31-year-old is one of five inaugural Giants still on the club’s list and is going into the final season of a multimillion-dollar contract in 2024.

However, the reality check of being in and out of Kingsley’s best 23, as well as rumours the Giants were willing to let him depart, have helped rejuvenate Haynes.

That was highlighted by his strong start to the season, finishing with 23 disposals, nine marks and seven intercept possessions against Collingwood.

It was the most touches Haynes registered in a game since round nine last year, also against the Pies.

Haynes said that the desire to be a part of the Giants’ first flag is what continues to motivate him 13 years into his AFL career.

“I was 31 coming into the end of the year and not in the team, so obviously you do question where your future is at and whether it’s at the club,” Haynes said. “As a competitor, you want to be playing in the finals and being there since the start.

“But I had a great chat with Adam Kingsley at the end of the season. If it was my choice to stay, then I wanted to stay. At the end of the day, that made it an easy decision.

“I wanted to stay at the club because this year is as good as any that we can push for that premiership, and I don’t want to miss (being) a part of that. So, I’m really happy I’m staying here and hopefully have got another year or two left in me.”

Haynes impressed with his mobility and composure against the Pies. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

With 204 AFL games under his belt, there’s no doubt that Haynes brings experience to a backline brimming with young, elite talent. But this pre-season saw him train predominantly on the wing in an eye to help him back into the side.

While he played as a defender against the Pies due to the absence of both Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman, Haynes believes the extra work over the summer has set him up to have a bigger impact across the ground.

“(There were) no excuses, I put the head down and worked hard and that’s all I can do,” he said.

“You can go two ways; you have excuses, or you can just grit your teeth and put it into action. I worked hard at a lot of areas that I thought I needed improvement, and I could still improve as a footballer.

“I had a few health issues in the last few years, but my body overall is feeling as great as it has in the last few years and that helps.

“(Training on the wing) helps me down back as well. I’m as fit as I’ve been I think as well … I think I’ve improved a bit of my speed so that can only help me as a defender.

“Spots are real tight for the team, everyone’s training really hard. There are no guarantees, so that can only make the group stronger.”

The possibility of cementing the Giants’ legacy continues to drive Haynes. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Fitness was just part of the challenge that Haynes set for himself as he prepares for what will be a big year on and off the field. He and partner Bec are set to welcome their first child in three weeks, and he knows staying on top of the mental side of things will be just as important.

“Those health issues mentally drain you and become a bit frustrating,” Haynes said. “But I’m in a great spot now mentally and physically.

“I had a goal coming into this year to just be healthy and happy, so if I’m those two things I think I can play good football.

“Now and again I ask (Toby Greene) what’s it like and what can I look forward to? (Toby and Stephen Coniglio) are loving the early days as a father and I’m so excited to join the crew and I’m sure I’ll have plenty of questions when the baby comes.”

Haynes believes he still has at least one good year of footy in him. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Giants’ defence has established itself as one of the strongest in the competition with players like Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley, Harry Himmelberg and Connor Idun all elite in their position.

Idun played a hand in keeping two of Collingwood’s most damaging players quiet on Saturday night.

While Haynes has plenty to be proud of in the coming months and years ahead, for now, he takes the most pride in how the youngsters he has helped develop have become some of the best defenders in the AFL.

“We’re just happy that we could play our way,” Haynes said. “I don’t think we played our best footy but there’s real positive signs early into the season.

“I’m really proud of watching them grow over the years. They’ve all started at this club and grown and improved each year. I think they’re the best defence in the whole competition.

“They’re a great bunch of blokes and couldn’t be prouder of the footballers they’re turning into.”

Originally published as Nick Haynes on why he stayed at GWS Giants, fatherhood and his AFL premiership dream