"I've got the most confidence I've had in my body for my whole career."
Those words from star midfielder Will Day are a sweet sound for Hawthorn fans, with the 25-year-old excited about the prospect of playing in his first final.
Speaking to the media ahead of Hawthorn's trip to Fremantle for a qualifying final, Day expressed confidence he could make an impact after injuries over the past two years prevented him from playing in September.
"Obviously finals is something you dream of as a kid and think of all the big moments. It was pretty tough at the time. You work all year, and I had both of the injuries late in the year, so to watch them go out and support them but to not be able to help was the hardest thing," Day said.
"Knowing this time I can be out there and doing what I love and putting my best foot forward to help the team.
Hawthorn Hawks and GWS Giants at University of Tasmania Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
"I think it's going to be quite hot. The games just look like they're a lot tougher and a lot quicker as well, so just making sure you nail the basics is the most important thing, not thinking you have to go too far out of your own game and just get your role done."
After being carefully managed since returning in the second half of the home and away season to prime him for a significant September impact, Day is expected to play about 80 per cent game time in the qualifying final.
Day opened up about the mental turmoil that his repeat injuries have caused.
"There was definitely some times where you felt really defeated and especially the amount of injuries, you come back, you put everything into your rehab and then to go down with another injury, you do feel really helpless at times and think ‘is this just me' but to keep going and push through, I think it will make this finals series even sweeter," Day said.
"Since I've been back from this shoulder injury, I've just been grateful to be back playing and to be able to do that in September with a bunch of mates I love so much is pretty cool."
Teammate Mitch Lewis is confident about the impact Day will have in September.
"I was speaking with 'Daysy' during the week, and he was so excited," Lewis said.
"It's crazy to think this is going to be his first final. He's been building nicely.
"I think our whole midfield has carried the load without him for the last couple of years; you throw him in the mix, it's exciting for our football club and him and his family."
With much speculation about Hawthorn needing another midfielder and Zach Merrett being on the way in, a storyline has existed all year that the Hawks are a premium midfielder short of contending.
The growth of Josh Ward and continual consistency of Jai Newcombe gives Day belief about what the Hawks are capable of.
"I think there was a bit of a narrative last off-season that it was needed," Day reflected.
"I think we're proud to show this year that we've been able to step up as a midfield group more as the season's gone on, even without Conor Nash, who is out injured. It's not as much a necessity now, more of a want, so we're proud to show what we've done this year.
"Everyone's got their own weapons which blend well together."
