Hawthorn Star Will Day’s Injury Return Sparks Hope for Preliminary Final Participation
Will Day, the Hawthorn superstar midfielder, is pushing for a return from a shoulder injury but has been ruled out of the semi-final against Port Adelaide. Despite not participating in contact training yet, he was spotted engaging in light contact drills, raising hopes for a potential preliminary final comeback. Key defender Sam Frost is sidelined for the season due to a stress fracture.
Hawthorn's star midfielder Will Day is making strides towards recovery from injury, generating excitement ahead of the team's semi-final against Port Adelaide. Although Day will not participate in this critical match, he showcased significant progress during a recent training session.
Will Day's Training Progress Raises Hopes
Despite being ruled out of the semi-final match this week, Will Day demonstrated notable improvement during training on Wednesday. He was seen engaging in some light contact drills, which has sparked speculation about his potential return. Hawthorn's medical team, led by Peter Burge, confirmed that while Day is partaking in non-contact training and conditioning, he is not yet cleared for contact activities. Burge stated the current limitations are frustrating, but he acknowledged Day is working hard to regain fitness.
AFL Great Weighs In on Day's Situation
Tim Watson, a former AFL great, commented on Day's recent training, suggesting he is eager to make a quick return to the lineup. Sports reporter Kate Massey also revealed that Day is travelling with the team to South Australia for the upcoming match. Although it remains uncertain if he will play, Massey highlighted Day's determination to join his teammates and expressed that he would be keen to have the opportunity to participate this week.
Impact on Hawthorn's Semi-Final Strategy
Will Day's absence is significant for Hawthorn, as he has already missed two crucial games, including their Round 24 match and the first final against the Western Bulldogs. The team is also grappling with the loss of defender Sam Frost, who has been sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a stress fracture in his foot. The combined absence of these key players puts additional pressure on the remaining squad as they prepare for the semi-final against Port Adelaide.
Community Support at Training
Support from the Hawthorn community was evident at Waverley Park, where fans gathered to watch the team train, including legendary players Don Scott and Kelvin Moore. The atmosphere indicated that the community remains hopeful about the team's fortunes in the vital matches ahead, despite the injuries impacting their roster.
