Hawthorn youngster Will Day is in contention to play his first AFL game in nine months when the Hawks face Port Adelaide on Saturday night.
The exciting defender suffered two ankle injuries in 2021 that required surgery, ending his season after only managing five games, with his last being Round 15 against GWS.
Day showed his enormous potential during this small sample size, averaging just under 20 disposals and five marks per game and giving Hawks fans a glimpse into the future with some promising displays off half-back.
After previously looking like he would miss the opening rounds of 2022, the defender got through three-quarters of a VFL practice match for Box Hill against North Melbourne last Sunday at Arden Street, showing promise in his return.
UPDATE: Will Day is done for the afternoon and will sit out the last quarter. A positive showing!
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) March 20, 2022
However, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell failed to lock in Day for a long-awaited return against the Power, with the Hawks coaches still weighing up giving the young gun more game time in the VFL to rack up crucial minutes before slotting into the Hawks' 22.
SM: (On Will Day) we haven’t made a decision yet, he’s getting very close. We’ll watch and monitor him.
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) March 22, 2022
The former pick No. 13 will have to tick off a few more tests before being a confirmed starter when teams are announced Thursday night. His potential inclusion would be a boost for Hawthorn as they look to build on their Round 1 win when they play the Power on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval.
