It's time to go ... Jonathan Hay

Jonathan Hay has long been living on his 2001 All-Australian form, but enough is enough for Joel Arnott, who believes it’s time for Hay to go.

Since winning All-Australian honours in 2001, Hawthorn full-back Jonathan Hay has been living on a reputation won four seasons ago. The question on all Hawthorn supporters’ lips since has been: will he prove to be a “one-season wonder”?

Despite possessing a body to dominate the last line of defence, Hay is certainly not living up to his potential. Hay is a 196cm, 93kg mean machine who strikes fear into any Hawthorn supporter whenever he goes near the Sherrin.

A stellar season in 2001 has been proceeded by years of injury, homesickness and ineffective disposal, yet some Hawthorn supporters with misty vision still believe that his potential will come to the fore.

Doubters believe that the Western Australian is Hawthorn’s best option at full-back, and they may be right, but with the Hawks looking to the future Hay needs a new environment.

Hay’s potential would lift his market value, possibly giving Hawthorn a first-round draft pick as well as a ready-made player who is up to AFL standard.

Regardless of his opponent, Hay should be containing them week in, week out as Hawthorn’s key big man in defence. He needs to stand up and give the knockers something to chew over.

Hay has the athleticism, but has he got the talent? He now needs to deliver to show the football world he’s the real deal, but whether his body will give him the chance is another thing altogether.

The signs say he won’t do that at Glenferrie, and the best for both player and club may be for a trade back west.

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