It was worth the wait, but Hawthorn star Will Day is everything the club needs to take the step towards its next premiership.

Day returned to the senior side for the first time since Round 21 last year, but recent seasons have been marred by a host of injuries, including a shoulder dislocation and a navicular foot issue.

"I hit Gunners on a lead, and it gave me so much joy. Teammates saw me get up and about too. Just little things you don't think about when you're in the run of a full season," Day said on Channel Seven following the win.

"You're playing with your best mates. Getting after it and going at it as hard as they can. And when you get a result like we did (on Thursday), to be able to celebrate together, it's pretty special."

Limited to 62 per cent game time, Day still had plenty of influence in the contest, collecting 18 disposals, five clearances, three tackles and seven score involvements.

He played his first game in the VFL last week, with the club coordinating an elaborate plan since the pre-season to ensure that when he returns, it's for good.

"We did a lot of planning. The day the shoulder happened, we sat down, and we wanted to do everything the best we could," Day explained.

"Mainly focusing on the foot, which is the most important thing for me and my career. We knew the shoulder, and there have been a lot of guys that have dislocated shoulders, and you've got to respect it, but essentially, I've been doing two rehabs at once. There were some pretty long days at the club.

"I was really confident. That was a plan all along, and because of the shoulder, I could keep running the whole time, so I'm probably the fittest I've been. I got back into contact work, had several weeks in full training. I felt really confident going out there.

"I've been really diligent through this period. I became obsessed with the grind a little bit. I'm really process-driven. I was before, but I took it to a whole new level. The power of routine. I had the same breakfast. The specifics aren't important, but getting into the club early, doing the little things I can nail, and now I'm prepared for the session ahead.

"It's probably the most confidence I have had in my body for several years. I was oddly calm. I came in and didn't have any expectations. Just grateful to be out there."

Hawks coach Sam Mitchell was adamant pre-game that the club won't push Day despite the midfielder's eagerness, but was ultimately "pleased" with his performance as he builds into the year.

"I am pleased with Will, I think he played 30 seconds more than he was meant to, so we had a bit of a chat about that after the game," Mitchell joked.

"When (Sam) Flanders hurt himself… ‘Daysy' quickly ran off, and I think that was so he could keep his minutes safe and not have to waste them on the carry off.

"We were pretty diligent with making sure that he didn't play too much footy, we're pleased he got through unscathed and did some good things."

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