AT THE end of 2024, Nick Haynes’ career was at a crossroads.
A stalwart of GWS in its formative years, the inaugural Giant found himself out of the side for the majority of the season, spending a large portion either playing VFL and mustering only eight senior games.
The former All Australian and GWS best and fairest winner could tell the outlook wasn’t positive in terms of his future at the Giants, but still held the steadfast belief that he could contribute at the elite level.
Fast forward to July 2026, and the veteran defender is on the eve of playing his 250th AFL game.
Playing every game in his first season at Carlton and 15 consecutive games after an injury-interrupted pre-season this year, Haynes - speaking to Carlton Media on the eve of his milestone - said his 34 games to date in Navy Blue have been some of his most enjoyable.
“Everyone has been great in this club and I’ve really enjoyed my football: I’ve fallen in love with the game again at Carlton,” Haynes said.
“I’ve been pumped ever since I came to Carlton. The people have been amazing… I’ve been welcomed so warmly and felt valued straight away.
“I wanted to give back the faith that Carlton gave me, because I was a 32-year-old playing VFL footy - it takes a lot of faith, and I want to repay that to the Club.”
Conceding that he may not show that joy enough, Haynes speaks fondly of his 13 seasons in western Sydney, when he was drafted alongside the likes of Stephen Coniglio and Toby Greene inside the first round.
Now Haynes finds himself at the other end of the spectrum, as the experienced head in the Blues’ back six which has blooded the likes of Harry Dean, Wade Derksen and Billy Wilson during his time at the Club - as well as the injured Harry O’Farrell.
“They’re a big part of it [the enjoyment],” Haynes said.
“Seeing those guys grow so quickly, we’ve got a young group back there and everyone has a story… I love playing with them and once I’m done, I’m going to enjoy watching them for a long time.”
Sharing the milestone with Patrick Cripps this weekend, that is in keeping with the way that Haynes has preferred to go about his footy - privately going about his business.
“It’s nice to get to 250.
“There have been a lot of times throughout my career that I thought I’d never get to this point, so it’s a proud moment.”
