Will Hayward 2025: Net Worth, Salary, Career Earnings, Stats

Will Hayward has significantly impacted the Australian Football League (AFL) as a forward for the Sydney Swans.

Born on October 26, 1998, Hayward’s journey from a promising talent to a professional athlete is a testament to his dedication and skill on the football field.

Here are Will Hayward’s net worth, salary, contract, career earnings, relationship status, and more.

Will Hayward’s Biography

William O. A. Hayward was born in 1998 and began his life in Australian Rules Football at a young age.

His early years were spent honing his skills, eventually leading him to be drafted by the Sydney Swans as their second selection and twenty-first overall in the 2016 national draft.

His debut in round 2 of the 2017 season against the Western Bulldogs marked the beginning of a promising AFL career.

AFL Career

Hayward’s career took off quickly, and by 2018, he had become one of the youngest players in the AFL era to reach 50 career goals.

His performance on the field has been consistently impressive, earning him a Rising Star nomination in 2017 after a remarkable three-goal game against Carlton.

As of the end of round 22, 2023, Hayward has played 134 games and scored 157 goals, showcasing his importance to the Sydney Swans’ forward line.

Will Hayward’s Net Worth Details

Will Hayward’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025. His primary source of income is his career as a rules footballer, where he has established himself as a key player for his team.

Hayward’s salary and other career earnings reportedly exceed $250,000 annually, contributing to his status as one of Australia’s richest and most influential young rules footballers.

This financial success has afforded him a comfortable lifestyle and the ability to indulge in luxurious amenities and vehicles.

While the exact details of his contracts over the years are not specified, it is known that AFL players can earn substantial amounts through their club contracts.

For instance, top players in the AFL have been known to earn salaries ranging from $800,000 to over $1 million per year.

Hayward’s net worth and earnings reflect his achievements on the field, including a Rising Star nomination in 2017 and his consistent performance throughout his AFL career.

As he continues to play and potentially attracts interest from other clubs, such as the Adelaide Crows, who are urged to consider him for a “big money” deal, his net worth and earnings could see significant increases in the future.

Contract and Salary

Will Hayward, the forward for the Sydney Swans, has been a key player since being drafted in 2016.

His contract status with the Sydney Swans is listed as a Restricted Free Agent (RFA) at the end of 2024.

This indicates that Hayward is locked in with the Swans until at least the end of the 2024 season, per the four-year contract extension he signed in 2019.

For instance, his salary in 2023 was listed as $389,000, an increase from his 2022 salary of $409,600.

AFL Career Statistics

FAQs

1. What is Will Hayward’s nationality and which AFL clubs has he played for?

Hayward is an Australian rules footballer from South Australia who played for the Sydney Swans from 2017 to 2025 and, following a 2025 trade, now represents Carlton Football Club.

2. When was Hayward drafted into the AFL and by which team?

Hayward was drafted in the 2016 AFL National Draft with Sydney’s second selection and 21st overall, debuting for the Swans in Round 2 of the 2017 season.

3. What position does Hayward typically play and what are his physical attributes?

He plays as a forward, stands 186 cm tall, and is known for his speed, marking ability, and consistent goal-kicking across multiple seasons.

4. What are Hayward’s career highlights and achievements in the AFL?

Hayward earned an AFL Rising Star nomination in 2017, recorded two seasons as Sydney’s leading goalkicker, and tied his career-high with 41 goals in 2024.

5. How many games and goals has Hayward accumulated in his AFL career?

Hayward played 184 games, kicked 229 goals, and averaged 11.2 disposals and 1.2 goals per game throughout his career.

6. What was Hayward’s junior football pathway before joining the AFL?

He played junior football for Walkerville and represented St Peter’s College and North Adelaide in the SANFL before being drafted by Sydney.

7. Has Hayward faced any injuries or setbacks in his AFL career?

Hayward managed several minor injuries but maintained consistent game participation, including playing every game in the 2024 season and being a reliable member of the forward line.

8. How do coaches and analysts describe Hayward’s AFL role and impact?

Coaches praise his forward pressure and team-first attitude; analysts highlight Hayward as a dependable goal scorer and versatile attacking option for Sydney and now Carlton.

9. What contractual moves or trades have featured in Hayward’s career?

After speculation about his future, Hayward signed a five-year extension with Sydney in mid-2024 but was then traded to Carlton at the end of the 2025 trade period.

10. What are Hayward’s goals and future ambitions in AFL football?

Hayward seeks to continue as a leading forward at Carlton, aim for finals success, mentor younger teammates, and maintain his reputation as a consistent AFL goal kicker.