Will Hayward is showing maturity beyond his years as he continues to impress during his first season at AFL level.

The 18-year-old played arguably his best game in the red and white on Friday night with three goals and two goal assists from 12 disposals and five tackles against Geelong.

Since making his senior debut in Round 2 against the Western Bulldogs the livewire forward has been a revelation booting 17 goals from 14 matches.

It is not only Hayward’s ability to impact the scoreboard that has shone through with his defensive pressure among the best in the competition.

“He does no wrong that kid, he just plays on instinct,” teammate Luke Parker said post-match.

“He pops up at the right time to take some marks and has some great energy down in the forward line.

“Will is playing really mature football for a first-year player and it is great to have him in the side.”

Hayward’s first season numbers compare to some of the best forwards in the game with superstar forward Lance Franklin booting 21 goals from his first 20 matches.

The South Australian product suffered an injury setback in Round 14 but after returning through the NEAFL is showing he is back to his best after Friday night’s outing against the Cats.

His performance alongside Tom Papley was instrumental in the win and earned him the praise of the coach.

“The first quarter it was Papley hitting the scoreboard and then in the last quarter it was Hayward,” John Longmire said.

“Papley is a second-year player, Hayward is a first-year player so they fly under the radar a little bit.

“It is good to have them contributing at the moment.”

Hayward said he was enjoying being able to play a role in the Swans resurgence this season.

“With a few boys down early in the season I got my opportunity so I learnt a lot out of those few games,” Hayward said.

“I am now just looking to make sure I keep building each week.”