Speaking after the practice match against Port Adelaide, Hayes said the team had made improvements to their game and played a promising brand of footy.
“I thought we were really competitive from the start, we were winning the clearances, getting in inside 50 and we took our chances so it was really pleasing start,” Hayes said.
“There were probably periods in the second and third quarter that we dropped away a little bit, but overall it was a lot better than last week and that’s what we asked from each other.”
“We wanted to improve on last week - that wasn’t acceptable and today was a lot better. Still disappointed that we didn’t get the win but looking forward there are some really positive signs.”
After putting themselves in front in the first quarter by 26 points, Port fought back in the second, pinning the margin to just 10 points at half time.
At three quarter time Port had overtaken the lead as the Saints trailed by five points heading into the last.
The St Kilda outfit refused to give in through a tumultuous quarter though, clawing their way back to just nine points when the final siren sounded.
Hayes put in a solid effort in the midfield leading the disposal count collecting 26 possessions and nine clearances.
“I just want us to be ultra competitive in every game that we play – not focusing too much on the results because you can’t really control those but what we can do is control our effort,” he said.
“It starts with the leaders and we have to be doing that week in and week out, really setting the example for the rest of the team and that’s what we’ll be doing.”
Hayes won’t line up for St Kilda’s first match of the season proper after accepting a one match ban for striking in last week’s NAB Challenge match against GWS, however he said that won’t stop the team from doing their best.
“I think we’ve got pretty good depth in the midfield, Lukey Dunstan looks like he’s been playing for ten years and it’s only his third game.
“Jack Billings has had a bit in there, David Armitage is in really good form, Clint Jones (too). Jarryn Geary has played a little bit more through the midfield as well so I’m really confident we’ll go into Round One and put up a very good show.”
Leigh Montagna also carries a one-match ben into the season opener against Melbourne.
“I’m obviously disappointed Joey and I won’t be there but we’ll be working really hard to make sure we’re ready to go for Round 2.”
Looking to the season ahead, Hayes acknowledged the challenges but said he was excited for the year.
“We just want to be really hard to play against and I’m sure we’ll get wins along the way. It’s exciting, there’s a lot of really good young guys that will be at the club a long time. I’m rapt to be around and lead the way and be a part of that as well.”
And the club stalwart urged supporters to get behind the Saints as they embark on the journey.
“Being part of a football club you gotta ride the bumps and obviously this footy club has had a few and being part of it for a long time, I’ve had a few myself but you have to step up. “
“We’re trying to do that as players and we urge all the supporters who haven’t signed up yet to please sign up. It means a lot to us. We really respect our members putting in their hard earned up and getting along to support us each week and hopefully they’ll see a competitive side this year.”
Join up now by visiting saintsmembership.com.au or call 1300 GO SAINTS.
