GIANTS veteran Nick Haynes says it's taken four years, but he's finally overcome his demons.
Slipping out of form and favour because of chronic health issues, Haynes proved his case to coach Adam Kingsley with a starring role down back in the GIANTS' 32-point Opening Round win against Collingwood on Saturday night.
Keeping the likes of Bobby Hill and Nick Daicos at bay, the defender had 23 touches and seven intercept possessions, but his selection in the team had once seemed unlikely for the long-time club servant.
While managing severe ulcers in his oesophagus and a gastric reflux disease, Haynes dropped out of Kingsley's preferred back six last year and was left out for the semi and preliminary finals.
However, a change in supplements and diet helped Haynes rediscover the form that earned him a 2020 All-Australian nod.
"The body feels as good as it has in a few years," Haynes said on Monday.
"Those health issues can mentally drain you and become frustrating, but I'm in a great spot now mentally and physically.
"The goal coming into this year is just to be healthy and happy. If I'm those two things, I can play good football.
"You can go two ways about it. You can have excuses, or you can grit your teeth and put (things) into action."
Haynes was at a crossroads at the end of last season, but opted to put his head down and give Kingsley something to think about, instead of seeking a trade.
"I was 31, coming into the year not in the team, so obviously you do question where your future is at, whether it was at the club," Haynes said.
"It was tough at the end of the year as a competitor. You want to be playing in the finals, and I've been there since the start, but I had a great chat with Adam Kingsley.
"If it was my choice to stay then I wanted to stay, and at the end of the day it was, so that made an easier decision.
"This year is as good as any that we can push for that premiership, and I don't want to miss any part of that.
"Hopefully I have a year or two left in me.
"I've got a little baby coming in three weeks, so it'll change a bit, but I'm really happy."
