Will Hayward has established himself as one of the AFL’s most dynamic medium forwards, known for his high-flying marks and ability to kick clutch goals.
After a lengthy tenure with the Sydney Swans, Hayward made headlines in late 2025 with a blockbuster trade to the Carlton Blues, marking a significant new chapter in his career.
In this article, you will know Will Hayward’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Will Hayward’s Biography
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Hayward |
| Date of Birth | October 26, 1998 |
| Age | 27 |
| Education | St Peter’s College, Adelaide |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 186 cm (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | ~76 kg |
| Turned Pro | 2016 (Drafted Pick 21) |
| Net Worth | ~$1.5 Million – $2 Million (Estimate) |
| Current Team | Carlton Blues (Traded late 2025) |
| Salary | ~$600,000 – $700,000 (Estimated) |
| Girlfriend | Vic |
| Instagram Profile | @willhayward |
Early Career
Born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, Will Hayward played his junior football for the Walkerville Junior Football Club. He attended St Peter’s College, a school with a rich history of producing AFL talent.
His potential became undeniable during the 2016 season when he played for the North Adelaide Roosters in the SANFL U18 competition.
He was a standout performer, kicking 33 goals in just nine games, displaying an innate goal sense and athletic vertical leap that caught the eye of recruiters.
He also represented South Australia at the NAB AFL U18 Championships, where he kicked eight goals in four games. His rapid rise up the draft boards culminated in the Sydney Swans selecting him with pick 21 in the 2016 National Draft, using a priority pick to secure the talented forward.
Professional Career
Hayward wasted no time making an impact in the AFL, debuting for the Sydney Swans in Round 2 of the 2017 season. He quickly cemented his spot in the side, earning a Rising Star nomination in his debut year.
Over the next several seasons, he became a fixture in the Swans’ forward line, playing 184 games for the club. He was known for his defensive pressure and ability to play both tall and small, kicking over 220 goals during his time in red and white.
The 2024 and 2025 seasons were pivotal for Hayward. After turning his back on free agency in mid-2024 to sign a five-year extension with Sydney, the landscape shifted dramatically by the end of 2025.
In a massive trade period move that stunned the AFL world, Hayward was traded to the Carlton Blues in October 2025.
The deal saw him join the Blues on a long-term contract, bringing his experience and goal-kicking power to a new forward line for the 2026 season and beyond.
Girlfriend
Will Hayward is in a relationship with his girlfriend, Vic. The couple keeps their relationship relatively private, but Hayward has mentioned that his downtime often involves spending quality time with her and walking their dog.
She has been a supportive figure throughout his career, including his recent high-profile move from Sydney to Melbourne.
Will Hayward’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Will Hayward’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $2 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his nine seasons in the AFL, significant contract extensions, and his business venture, Doozy Drinks.
Contract
Hayward signed a lucrative five-year contract extension with the Sydney Swans that was set to tie him to the club until the end of 2029. However, following his trade to Carlton in late 2025, he is now contracted to the Blues.
Reports indicate his contract at Carlton runs until at least 2030, reflecting the long-term commitment the club has made to him as a key recruit.
Career Earnings
| Season | Club | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sydney Swans | ~$650,000 |
| 2024 | Sydney Swans | ~$600,000 |
| 2023 | Sydney Swans | ~$500,000 |
| 2022 | Sydney Swans | ~$450,000 |
| 2017-21 | Sydney Swans | ~$1,500,000 (Total) |
| Total | ~$3,700,000+ |
Endorsements
Beyond his AFL salary, Hayward is a co-founder of Doozy Drinks, an alcoholic beverage brand he launched with teammates and friends. The brand has gained traction in the Australian market, providing him with a diversified income stream outside of football.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Avg Disposals | Avg Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sydney | 21 | 29 | 11.3 | 3.2 |
| 2024 | Sydney | 26 | 41 | 12.2 | 4.4 |
| 2023 | Sydney | 23 | 25 | 11.7 | 4.3 |
| 2022 | Sydney | 25 | 34 | 12.0 | 4.4 |
| Career | Totals | 184 | 229 | 11.2 | 3.9 |
FAQs
1. Who does Will Hayward play for now?
Will Hayward currently plays for the Carlton Blues. He was traded to Carlton from the Sydney Swans during the 2025 AFL Trade Period, joining the club ahead of the 2026 season.
2. Why did Will Hayward leave Sydney?
Despite signing a five-year contract extension with Sydney in mid-2024, Hayward was traded to Carlton in October 2025. The move was part of a major trade deal, with Hayward expressing excitement about joining the Blues after nearly moving there as a free agent previously.
3. What is Will Hayward’s contract length?
Will Hayward is contracted to the Carlton Football Club until the end of the 2030 season. His long-term deal reflects his status as a key acquisition for the Blues’ forward line.
4. Does Will Hayward have a business?
Yes, Will Hayward is a co-founder of Doozy Drinks, a successful alcoholic beverage company he started with friends and teammates. The brand is promoted on his social media and has grown significantly.
5. How many goals has Will Hayward kicked in his career?
Will Hayward had kicked a total of 229 goals in 184 games during his time with the Sydney Swans, making him a reliable avenue to goal for nearly a decade.
