July 10, 2026 — 3:30pmWill Hayward’s career at Carlton can be split into two: before and after he shaved his head. The pre-buzz cut phase was marked by frustration and challenges, the latter a period of great prosperity.Before we attribute his transformation to any reverse Samsonian effect – in reference to the biblical Samson, whose strength was tied to his long hair – there are other factors at play.Ollie Florent (right) played his 200th game last week. Will Hayward should have played his 200th as well, if not for a suspension earlier in the year.AFL Photos via Getty ImagesYes, Hayward’s resurgence came after he shed his locks, a style change he had long planned but lacked the guts to follow through on.“It wasn’t quite a midlife crisis thing, it’s running away from me, come on,” Hayward laughed, pointing to his hairline.The change in appearance came during an unplanned time of reflection. And it pre-dates the switch from Michael Voss to Josh Fraser.April was a dark time at Princes Park. As lead after lead was squandered, and the walls closed in on then coach Voss, Hayward battled his own challenges.Will Hayward, in his last game before his buzz cut, was suspended.AFL PhotosLife as a Blue had not started well for the gregarious 27-year-old. In nine seasons at Sydney, Hayward had carved a reputation as a dynamic medium-sized forward with a nose for a goal. Those traits deserted him in his first four games at his new club.The low point came on Good Friday. Just five days after the Blues surrendered a 43-point lead against Melbourne, they blew a 22-point advantage at three-quarter time against North Melbourne. Hayward had a stinker, though his assessment of his six possessions and scoreless game is more colourful.“I couldn’t get a kick in a street fight,” Hayward said.Worse still, he gave away two downfield frees resulting in goals – costly in a game decided by 10 points – the second of which saw him reported and suspended for a match.The week off prompted some soul-searching for Hayward, who was forced out by Sydney to accommodate Charlie Curnow in a trade that showed how ruthless the league can be.“I was pretty frustrated with myself,” Hayward said of his first month at Carlton. “I thought I was getting looks, but it just wasn’t coming together for me.“I probably took my frustration out in the wrong way [against North].“I was probably more focused on trying to pressure and that led to giving away stupid free kicks and downfields, and it was probably the wake-up call I needed.“I’ve always sort of pride myself on being able to control my emotions out on the field, and you know that’s probably one game that I let it slip.”The first suspension of Hayward’s 10-year career cost him and his best mate Ollie Florent, also shown the door by Sydney for Curnow, the opportunity to play their 200th games together last week.“I stuffed up, and he lets me know about it,” Hayward joked.He’ll reach the milestone on Saturday, sharing the occasion with Sam Walsh in his 150th, but the delay has been worth it.There has been a spike in almost every aspect of Hayward’s game since. From rounds six to 17, he’s up in disposals, marks, score involvements, goals and score assists. In the first three areas, he has career-highs this season.Will Hayward celebrates a goal.AFL Photos via Getty ImagesThe blockbuster Curnow trade is shaping as a win-win. The high-flying Swans finally have their topline spearhead in the post-Lance Franklin era, one who is a big show of winning a third Coleman while also easing the load on Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald. The Blues have found the in-between forward they need who can threaten in the air and on the ground, plus a suite of picks to future-proof their list.Hayward’s flourishing form is one of many factors behind Carlton’s mid-season resurgence under interim coach Josh Fraser.As the plaudits come for Fraser, who remains publicly adamant he is not ready for the top job full time, Blues players, including Hayward, have unfailingly credited Voss laying the foundations for their revival.Hayward sensed early last summer there was enough talent in the group to produce results more in keeping with the previous seven weeks than the preceding seven.“I remember coming here in pre-season and saying, ‘Ollie, these guys have a crack’,” Hayward said.“The training sessions we were doing, we were looking dangerous and I had no doubt we’re going to be a good team, and it’s great to see some benefits now, and it’s great to see some of our young guys absolutely flourishing.”The seven-game winning streak has mobilised the Blues faithful. Hayward felt their full force as an opponent in the 2023 finals series. He much prefers them on his side.“I specifically remember playing Carlton in a game here, and I was thinking these fans are so loud that it was an actual advantage for them,” Hayward said. “I remember being on the opposite side, going, ‘Wow, this is amazing’.“It’s better than I imagined. I’ve never played more games on the MCG in a season in my life. Little things like that, it makes you appreciate what this club is. It’s a big club, passionate fans, and they show up week in, week out. I’m very lucky to be here.”This was one of the attractions of the club for him when he joined after an unhappy parting with the Swans. Like Florent, he had misgivings about how his exit was handled. Both had signed long-term deals to remain in Sydney 12 months earlier only to be bluntly told they had to go.“I don’t know if I’d use those words,” Hayward, who had knocked back overtures from the Blues in 2024, said when asked about the pain of leaving Sydney. “It was just a bit unexpected.”“As soon as the trade went through, there were some different type of emotions, but as soon as I stepped foot in the club I was a Carlton player. I felt embraced by the boys, by the fans, by the staff.”Hayward remains close to his former teammates and, as a self-described footy nuffy, has kept close tabs on their performance.“Hopefully we can see them at the back end of the year.”Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.From our partners