Will Day returns to finals after two years sidelined by injury
Day plays his first preliminary final in three years after injury sidelined him from 2024 and 2025 finals.
Hawthorn midfielder Will Day is preparing for Saturday's twilight preliminary final against Brisbane at the MCG, years after injury sidelined him from two consecutive September campaigns. The 25-year-old played just six games last season with shoulder and foot problems, spending more time in rehab than most of his teammates.
Two weeks ago, Day had his first finals match against Fremantle in Perth, an emotional return that left him in tears post-match. Day told 7NEWS: "It all sort of just added up and came out all at once," speaking about that moment.
"I've had some dark times by myself but hadn't really shown it in that way around the boys." This pre-season, a trip to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra helped him regain confidence in his body.
Day is now focused on lifting the premiership cup on the last day in September.
- 25 years old
- Age
- 6
- Games played last season
- MCG
- Venue
Why it mattersAfter years of setback, Day is finally in a grand final series, giving Hawthorn a healthier midfield for their premiership push.
AustraliaThis is the AFL's biggest weekend in Australia; Hawthorn's prospect of reaching a grand final for the first time since 2015 will affect viewing numbers and fan sentiment across the country.
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