Hawthorn has confirmed that midfielder Will Day will miss the rest of the 2024 season after scans revealed a bone stress injury in his foot.
The 24-year-old underwent precautionary scans in Melbourne on Saturday following the Hawks’ 14-point loss to Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. Unfortunately, the scans confirmed bone stress in his navicular – a key weight-bearing bone in the midfoot – effectively ending his season.
This latest setback comes after a year of carefully managed rehabilitation for Day, who had worked tirelessly to return to peak condition. Throughout his recovery, the club’s medical and high-performance staff implemented a cautious, tailored program, monitoring his workload and consulting leading specialists across Victoria and interstate to guide his return-to-play plan.
Hawthorn Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney acknowledged the disappointment felt across the club.
“We know Will has put in a mountain of work to get back to playing, and indeed performing, at the elite level, and we are really disappointed for him,” McCartney said.
“The club’s medical and high performance team have taken extra precautions with Will throughout his rehabilitation this year. This included very closely managing his workload and consulting external specialists to help guide his return to play timeline.”
Despite the setback, McCartney praised Day’s attitude and resilience, noting the character he continues to show in challenging circumstances.
“Will is an outstanding person who has showcased an incredible amount of resilience, and we know he will engage his rehab with the same attitude.
“As a club, we will obviously support Will throughout every stage of his rehabilitation and wrap our arms around him as he navigates this tough period.”
While the news is a blow for both Day and the Hawks, the club remains committed to ensuring he receives the best possible care and support as he focuses on recovery and prepares for a strong return in 2025.
