Flag fancies Hawthorn look set to receive a massive boost through the midfield with former first round draft pick Will Day due to return from a foot fracture sooner than expected.
The Hawks’ talented on-baller has been missing since the come-from-behind win over GWS in Round 3, where scans revealed post-game that he’d suffered a stress fracture in his navicular.
Day’s initial timetable on the sideline read 6-8 months, placing a potential return date as far back as Round 22. But with rehab and recovery fast-tracked while spending time on the bench alongside assistant coach Brett Ratten, it sounds as though Day could be back playing as soon as Round 20.
MORE: Why Hawthorn believes it gets an advantage out of Tasmania games
“There’s a real confidence that he’ll get back late in July,” AFL.com’s Josh Gabelich told SEN on Monday.
“Will Day didn’t travel (to Tasmania). Since he went down in Round 3, he has spent most of the year on game day on the bench next to Brett Ratten, involved as a bench coach of sorts.”
Improving to fifth following back to back wins over the Bulldogs and Crows over the last fortnight, the Hawks now head for a well-deserved bye before returning to face North Melbourne in Launceston in Round 16.
If Day were to return in Round 20, he’d be back in time for a tough run that starts with games against Carlton, Adelaide, Collingwood, Melbourne, and finally, Brisbane to close out the season.
“He’s closing in on a return from this stress fracture in his navicular. Been looking at a Round 22 return, but I can tell you know now it’s closer to Round 20,” Gabelich added.
Averaging 23 touches before he went down, Day’s accurate boot has been sorely missed in Hawthorn’s midfield, although their depth and overall improved play from Jarman Impey and impending free agent James Worpel have helped Hawthorn survive with the 23-year-old on the sideline.
“Five games (missed) heading into September would be a great result given where he was at in April,” Gabelich went on to say.