The 19-year-old, who claimed the A reserve league best and fairest last night, played in A reserve and 17 and under teams a couple of years ago.

While the junior side starred, the senior side struggled.

“I’ve won two under 17 premierships and one under 15 premiership,” Hayes said.

“Before this year, the A reserves had never won more than two games in a row before.

“It didn’t matter though, it was still always fun.”

This season the A reserve Bombers are flying, finishing the home-and-away season third.

“We picked up some new girls and we’re more focused at trainings,” Hayes said.

“It’s just really helped training with the A grade girls.”

The goal defence was looking forward to this weekend, when East Warrnambool takes on Panmure in the first semi-final at Reid Oval on Sunday.

The Bombers went down to Allansford last weekend in the qualifying final.

“We just have to make sure we play our own game this weekend and make sure that we don’t get too rattled,” Hayes said.

“We’re pretty good at settling down if we do get rattled.”

After playing twilight and association netball, the Nullawarre resident went to East about six years ago with her sister Kara, who no longer plays with the Bombers due to work commitments.

“But my little sister Jodie plays for them,” she said.

“It’s a really good club to be involved in.”

Hayes polled 30 votes last night, ahead of runner-up Hannah Nicolson of South Rovers, who attracted 24 votes. Third was Lisa Pender (21), from Timboon Demons.