BACK home in South Australia, Will Hayward stood up for Carlton at Adelaide Oval.

In the Blues’ first interstate win of the season, the Blues put together four quarters of football in the 34-point triumph over Yartapuulti, on a night where Carlton’s senior players led and youthful exuberance came to the fore.

Continuing a hot run of form in Navy Blue, Hayward was instrumental in the Blues, collecting 19 disposals and kicking two big goals, including arguably the best of the night in the third term.

Spending more time on the wing in recent weeks (particularly following the injury to Matt Carroll on Saturday night), Hayward said having the wins column ticking over in the last fortnight was “well deserved” for the playing group and wider Club.

“It’s a great feeling… we’ve been working hard behind the scenes when it looked tough from the outside. The belief we’ve always had is that it’ll turn, and it’s good to see some reward for effort,” Hayward said on SEN post-match.

“I’m not minding [the wing role]… it can sometimes be a bit of a graveyard shift out there [in the forward line], so getting up the ground is nice.”

One of the Blues’ highest-rated players on the ground in the win, it’s been quite the initiation to Carlton life for Hayward in 2026, with Saturday night marking his third win in 10 games (he missed Gather Round due to suspension).

Admitting it was “different” to his time in Sydney, Hayward made no secret of how much he is enjoying his time with his new club, shedding some light into the dynamic of the group inside the four walls.

“Compared to Sydney, you get a lot more media attention here at Carlton - but it’s a blessing. Playing for one of the biggest clubs in the country, that’s going to come with it.

“With the way we’ve handled things throughout the week, the group is extremely united. We’re like a family between the four walls, we’re really good at sticking together.

“It’s been different, but I’ve absolutely loved it.”