John Hynes

Career: 1998 (On list to 1999)
Debut: Round 18, 1998 vs Essendon
1028th Carlton Player
Games: 4
Goals: 2
Last Game: Round 21, 1998 vs Collingwood
Guernsey No. 26
Height: 184cm
Weight: 85kg
DOB: 23 February, 1979


John Hynes, drafted at no. 80 in the 1997 National Draft from Prahran Under 18's (via Cheltenham FC), played 4 games for Carlton. Hynes, at 184cm but playing in key positions, was always up against it for size. In one game against the Demons, Hynes was placed on David Schwarz at Centre Half Back. Try as he might, Schwarz was simply too big at about 10cm taller, and Hynes was moved away. Hynes was also tried at full forward, given his strong marking (for his height) and safe kick.

Hynes only played the 4 games of AFL, averaging 6.5 disposals and kicking 2 goals but was a most useful player in the Reserves, picking up the 1998 Reserves Best and Fairest Award. He spent all of 1999 in the Reserves, unable to break through for any further senior games before being delisted.

He went on to play for Frankston in the VFL. While at this level, Hynes was part of one memory of one Blueseum contributor: My favourite memory of Hynes though comes from his long VFL career with Frankston. In a 2003 pre-season game against the Northern Bullants, Carlton's affiliated team, Hynes spent much of the game abusing past teammates still on the Carlton list. The subject of much of this abuse (potentially it was friendly, but very effective) was Ian Prendergast - whenever Ian went for a kick Hynes yelled out ridicule such as 'Have they taught you how to kick yet?'. Poor Prenders shanked a few that day, probably due to the effect Hynes was having. In the end, it was a a pre-season game and Prendergast would play a lot more AFL football than Hynes.

Trivia:
John Hynes is the last John (with that spelling) to play for Carlton seniors, and was the only one to play during the 20-year presidency of John Elliott.

If John Hynes could have worn overalls and Blundstones out onto the MCG I am sure he would at the very least considered it. Playing but a handful of games at senior level Hynes was unable to convey his reserve grade skill to the next level of AFL football. Hynes was also capable of playing in a number of positions across the field at reserve grade level which most likely hurt his personal development with respect to positioning. Upon his departure from Carlton Hynes continued to play high level football in the VFL for Frankston where his versatility, leadership and good nature were regarded highly.

Career Highlights

1998 Reserves Best & Fairest Award

Links

Blueseum: Summary of playing statistics for John Hynes | Hynes' Blueseum Image Gallery

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