EASTERN Ranges ruckman Sam Hayes returned from injury with an impressive six-goal haul to help his side to a narrow two-point victory over the Gippsland Power, earning him the AFL Draft Central TAC Cup Player of the Round.

Hayes showed no effects from his finger injury which he sustained in Round Four against Geelong Falcons, booting four goals in the opening quarter. The 203cm ruckman has the ability to play as a target inside 50 and seems destined to be a first round selection in November’s AFL Draft.

Hayes finished the day with 18 hitouts to go with his six goals and four marks in a strong display up forward in the close ecounter with the Power side.

In his previous game in Round Four, he played just a half of football finishing with 21 hitouts, 17 disposals, six clearances and five marks in a match that saw him dominate for the Ranges.

The tall is the best ruck prospect eligible for the 2017 NAB AFL Draft and his mobility up forward will suit clubs looking to add some tall timber to their list. He was the only bottom ager selected for the Under 18 All-Australian team in 2016, after starring for Vic Metro in the ruck and up forward.

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AFL Draft Central’s TAC Cup Player of the Round:

Round One: Max King (Sandringham Dragons)

Round Two: Lachlan Fogarty (Western Jets)

Round Three: Will Stephenson (Gippsland Power)

Round Four: Aaron Trusler (Sandringham Dragons)

Round Five: Jordan Johnston (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)

Round Six: Sam Hayes (Eastern Ranges)