Haynes was elevated to Richmond's senior list from the Rookie list in the 2000 National draft. He played two seasons with the Tigers before being delisted. ""I started off playing well and in my second year I played all the preseason matches and then just before Round 1 I injured my knee and missed about seven weeks. I came back straight into the seniors but I just couldn't quite get my knee right. I can't say I was rapt being delisted, but I actually got a bit sick of footy and had nearly had enough. I know I am only young but I just found it too full-on. It is six days a week and almost 24-7. After a couple of years and injuries I had had enough,"" Haynes said.
At the end of 2001, Haynes took a bit of time off from football and contemplated his future. After speaking to Essendon, he decided to do a pre season with the VFL side and take things from there. Not training on a full-time basis over the pre season agreed with Haynes and he started to regain his enthusiasm for the game. He played as a top-up player for the Bombers for the season and despite missing several games with a knee injury he still came second in the best and fairest. ""After I had an arthroscope on my knee during the season, I started playing a bit better and it wasn't getting me down as much if I didn't play well. Playing wasn't a chore, it was more get out there and have fun and get a kick,"" Haynes said.
Haynes nominated for the 2002 National Draft and was keen to be picked up on a senior list. He spoke to a few clubs however was not drafted. Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy and recruitment manager Adrian Dodoro convinced Haynes to stay at Essendon and play on the rookie list. ""They (Essendon) were close to picking me up - they said it depended on the ruck situation and they ended up going with more ruckmen,"" Haynes said. Despite not being drafted onto a senior list, Haynes was rapt to stay at Essendon as a rookie and have the opportunity to be elevated to the senior list.
At Richmond Haynes was mainly used in a forward pocket role, however last year in the Essendon VFL side he added more strings to his bow. The 21-year-old played in the middle, up forward and across half-back and he now refers to himself as a 'spare parts man.' ""At Richmond I just played forward pocket. There are not too many guys that play full-time at forward pocket. So last year in the VFL side playing in the mid-field gave me more flexibility to my game. Plus if you are not getting a kick up forward, you can be moved into the mid-field,"" Haynes said.
Haynes has been focussing on improving his endurance in the pre-season and came sixth in the recent 3.2km time trial at Princess Park. Haynes said that training with Bomber skipper James Hird is sufficient inspiration to work hard on the track. ""I think Hirdy is a pretty good role model, the way he trains. I have never seen anyone like him. He is a freak athlete and keeps going and going and going,"" Haynes said.
Haynes doesn't feel direct competition with the five other rookies for the spot on the senior list, instead he feels he is competing against everyone on the list. ""There is one spot up for grabs on the senior list before the start of the season - it is up to me if I am playing well enough they can promote me tomorrow. I can play Round 1 - it is just up to me now. I suppose I am really competing against everyone for a spot. It is not just Toby McGrath and Ken Hall, it is Marc Bullen, James Davies and everyone,"" the former Western Jets player said.
