When Haynes was selected by GWS with pick seven in the 2011 AFL draft, he was an overage player without a solid position.

Having grown significantly in the 18 months before he heard his name called, Haynes was seen as a midfielder who could float forward — with nothing about his potential as a defender.

In 2019 Haynes was selected in the squad of 40 for the Virgin All Australian team after a breakout season with the giants.

In 2020, Haynes became an All Australian, and won the Kevin Sheedy Medal to cap off a spectacular individual season.

After 13 years at the Giants, Haynes departed as a free agent and moved to Carlton on a one-year deal.