After fighting for five years for an opportunity at AFL level, Will Hayes faced an uncertain wait at the end of 2020.

The 25-year-old featured twice for the Bulldogs in 2020 but was one of a number of players out of contract at season’s end.

His wait extended from October, into November, and then December – when alongside fellow mature-aged draftee, Ben Cavarra, he was added to the Bulldogs’ rookie list after an initial delisting.

Much like being drafted, this is a chance Hayes is determined to make the most of.

01:57

Will Hayes | 'Good footy's gonna get me in the side'

Will Hayes made an impressive return to training late last year and it seems he's keen to make the playing list in 2021.

“I don’t mind (doing it the hard way) – it makes it more worth it when you make it,” Hayes told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“It was a bit of a nervous wait for a long time, but there wasn’t a lot that was in my control.

“I pretty much just relaxed and stuck to the training and making sure I was in good nick, so if the opportunity did present itself I would take it with both hands.

“I also did a lot of work in the stable for the family business, so that kept my mind off it. I was able to train hard and focus on the horses.”

Much like his off-season company in the stable, Hayes has torn up the track on his return.

Not only did he set a new personal best in the Bulldogs’ running test – he broke his own club record when he returned prior to Christmas, which stood the test when the remainder of the group came back in January.

“I kept myself pretty fit on the farm, so I was able to break my record in December,” Hayes said.

“I was pretty happy about that – but I’ll leave the gym records to the big fellas.”

The wingman is happy being back at Whitten Oval after a year in the Gold Coast hub, with a clear plan for the year ahead and what he wants to achieve.

“This year, I’m just going to take it one week at a time – that common footy saying,” Hayes said.

“I want to keep using the ball better. Every time I get the ball I want to maximise the opportunity with it and go forward and hit my targets. Also, to keep building on the running capacity I have on the wing to get up and down the ground, helping to outnumber and win the ball back for the team.

“Just one foot in front of the other, because good footy is going to get me in the side so that’s all I’m going to focus on each week I step out onto the park.”