Carlton defender Nick Haynes has revealed the significant physical challenges he has overcome to return to peak performance, underscoring his determination to contribute in the club’s finals campaign. Despite contending with chronic injuries and serious health issues, the 34-year-old maintained his focus on recovery and longevity in the sport.

Haynes, a 2020 All-Australian, has battled enduring ankle problems throughout his career. His left ankle remains severely compromised, held together with two pins from a previous fracture and scar tissue resulting from multiple deltoid ligament tears. Meanwhile, an injection eased discomfort in his right ankle during Carlton’s recent victory over Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, allowing him to play through the pain.

Beyond his musculoskeletal issues, Haynes has faced more insidious health struggles. Repeated use of anti-inflammatory medication to manage groin injuries led to severe ulcers in his oesophagus and gastric reflux disease. This internal damage caused significant weight loss—he said he lost six to seven kilograms—and left him depleted and unable to perform at his best during what should have been the prime years of his career.

“To be honest, it wasn’t good,” Haynes said of his health during 2021 and 2022. He described a lengthy rehabilitation process focused on restoring his gut health, which included abandoning many conventional treatments in favor of natural remedies and strict dietary changes. This regime involved cutting out alcohol, coffee, sugar, and carbohydrates to help replenish his digestive system.

Haynes acknowledged that the recovery called for considerable discipline but ultimately allowed him to regain his energy and playing capacity. “If you are 10 percent off in this game, it can really affect it,” he noted.

The defender, who joined Carlton last year after several seasons with Greater Western Sydney, also addressed misconceptions about his contract with the Giants, which was heavily back-ended and appeared more lucrative than it was in annual salary terms. He emphasized that ongoing health concerns rather than financial factors motivated his move.

At Carlton, Haynes praised the performances of key defenders Jacob Weitering and Harry Dean following the Blues’ recent triumph over a depleted Melbourne side. He dismissed mid-season trade speculation involving Weitering, whom he described as “our general back there” and an essential leader for the team.

Haynes also highlighted Dean, a first-year player secured through a strategic draft trade, as a reliable and composed teammate, projecting a promising future for Carlton’s defensive lineup. He expressed optimism about the club’s prospects with Dean, Weitering, and Harry O’Farrell forming a strong core.

Reflecting on his own future, Haynes indicated a desire to extend his career beyond the current season. With improved fitness compared to the previous year and meaningful contributions on the field, he remains hopeful of continuing his tenure at Carlton.

“It’s been such a rollercoaster of a year, and I’m just grateful we are here and I’m able to go on to the MCG in front of that big crowd with the Carlton roar,” he said. “I don’t take that for granted for a second.”