After not being sighted since the Hawks' Round three win over the Giants at UTAS Stadium, star Hawthorn midfielder Will Day has taken a step closer to returning to the park as the Hawks look to secure a berth in this year's finals series.
Day, 24, who suffered a fractured navicular in his right foot that halted his season, has been medically cleared, and barring any unforeseen setbacks, will make his return to the park in the Hawks' Thursday night clash at the MCG that kicks off Round 20.
Day started the season off well for the Hawks, featuring strongly in their first four games that saw them enter the early-season bye undefeated.
In his first month of football, Day averaged 23 disposals, 5.3 clearances, 4.3 tackles and over a goal a game as he demonstrated his ability to be an A-grade midfielder in the competition.
However, since his injury, the Hawks have struggled at times through the midfield with more pressure placed on the likes of young guns Jai Newcombe and Josh Ward to lead the Hawks' midfield as the club aims to secure a second consecutive finals berth.
Day has ramped up his training strongly over the past month, moving from running in the rehabilitation group to participating in drills and contact sessions.
Last Thursday, Day was part of the Hawks' match simulation, before continuing his training block after the rest of the team had led the track, with the Hawks looking to give him a training simulation to mirror match conditions, which will enable him to impact at a high level in his return to senior football.
Day will be a driving force for the Hawks as they face a tough end to the regular season, with clashes against Adelaide, Collingwood and Brisbane throughout the last five weeks going to determine the club's finals fate.
Day, who was selected with pick 13 in the 2019 AFL National Draft, is yet to feature in a final for Hawthorn in his 74 games and will be looking to make an impact upon his return to football, as he helps the club aim to secure a finals berth in 2025.
