When the Cats went looking for a key forward to improve their attack at the end of the year, many names were bandied about, but Haynes, who had played 46 matches for West Coast for 43 goals, was the man Geelong went for.
At 189cm and 90kgs, the boy from North Warrnambool wasn't necessarily the big bustling forward Cats fans may have envisioned but after playing all but one game in the first nine weeks, he has become an important part of one of the most improved forward lines in the business.
As a third marking forward, Haynes adds a new dynamic to the team and that was clearly evident on Saturday night when Geelong scored its fourth consecutive win. While Kent Kingsley kicked seven goals and Ben Graham two, Haynes had 18 possessions and grabbed seven marks, many of which were in the second half and also added a goal.
After the first three rounds the Cats were sitting on the bottom of the ladder at 0-3. Having scored just 178 (25.28) points for the year, it was the forward line that bore the brunt of the criticism. But Haynes said it took some time for the likes of Kingsley, Graham and himself to get used to the structure imposed by new forward coach and club legend Ken Hinkley.
"The first few weeks were just getting used to the way the boys played and everyone was sort of learning the new structure with Kenny coming to the club. He brought a lot of new ideas into the club and it took us a while to adapt," he said after Saturday night's victory.
In contrast to the start of the season, the Cats have kicked 329 (48.41) points in the past three weeks. Asked about the better than seven-goal improvement per game, Haynes said the forwards had committed to a much-improved effort and were really backing each other up.
"I think it's good each person chips in each week, It mightn't be Kent each week might be Benny one week, it was me a couple of weeks ago. We are working well together and keeping a really good structure and it seems to be working."
Haynes said the team was really working for each other at the moment and every player put in a special effort in honour of 100-gamers Matthew Scarlett and Tom Harley on Saturday night.
"They have put so much into the 100 games they have played for the club. Week in, week out, they really put themselves on the line. It was real focus to really play like they do, and really play good one-on-one footy and come out on top which we did," he said.
As a new face at the club, Haynes can offer special insight on what it's like to line up against one of the most feared defensive combinations in the league.
"Playing last year at West Coast, I dreaded coming up against ‘Scarlo’ and Tommy because you know you are up for a contest and they scrag you and whack you over the ears. They are the heart and soul of the club."
