Like most VFL players, Max Hayes faces the challenge of balancing work with the demands of elite training.

But unlike most, Hayes does it all within the same four walls. Working as North's Commercial & Strategy Coordinator during the day, he quickly swaps the suit and tie for a guernsey and shorts as a member of the Roos' VFL standalone team. 

“Working and playing at a football club automatically makes you work harder,” Hayes told NMFC Media. 

“You’ve got the AFL guys around you working hard so it spurs you on to get the best out of yourself, and I have the same work towards my job.

“At the moment, I’m just trying to see what the boundaries are now and not push them.”

Hayes admits the employment opportunity that flourished last year after a conversation with North Melbourne’s Luke McDonald was too good to refuse.

“I still wanted to play at a high level, that being VFL, but I also wanted to kick-start my career away from football and North gave me that opportunity,” he said. 

“… and it’s really convenient having the two together because I just have to walk down the stairs to training.”

Playing in North’s inaugural VFL side and the affiliation to AFL is a welcome challenge for Hayes.

“They’ve mirrored the AFL system so training has been really professional, I think it’s a step above the other experiences I’ve had at VFL footy,” he said. 

“There is a mix of some really good and well-established VFL players and one or two ex-AFL talents, which is really good for the younger kids coming through.

“The coaches have a wealth of knowledge and they’re really good in terms of sharing that knowledge.”

A versatile defender, Hayes played for Sandringham from 2015-2017, after representing the Dragons at under 18 level in 2012 and 2013.