Hawthorn’s young star, Will Day, is set to make his much-anticipated return to the AFL this week against Carlton, providing a significant lift for the Hawks as they aim for a top-four finish. Day has been sidelined since round three due to a stress fracture in his foot but is eager to contribute as the season approaches its final stages. With only five rounds remaining before the finals, his comeback is crucial for a team that has been striving for a strong finish.
Day, 23, had a challenging season last year, participating in only 16 matches due to various injuries. Before his recent setback, he averaged 23 disposals and 5.3 clearances per game this season. Meanwhile, Hawthorn is managing a few other injuries. Key forward Mabior Chol is facing a test for his return, while there are uncertainties surrounding Josh Weddle (back) and Finn Maginness (kidney). As the club awaits scan results on Weddle, Maginness is unlikely to feature again this season after undergoing surgery for a kidney laceration sustained during a match against Port Adelaide.
Hawthorn’s high performance boss, Peter Burge, provided an update on Maginness, stating, “Finn’s still down in Tasmania with family and seeing specialists and getting the best advice. We’ll hopefully get him back to Melbourne towards the end of this week.”
In contrast, Carlton welcomes back Harry McKay, who has recovered from minor knee surgery. McKay, 27, has not played since round 11 but will be available to participate in a match honoring retiring club champion Sam Docherty. Additionally, Lewis Young (ankle) will also be returning to the lineup.
As the Hawks prepare for their clash against Carlton, the Gold Coast Suns are grappling with a significant injury to star player Daniel Rioli. The three-time premiership player, who joined the Suns this season, will undergo surgery on his left fibula following an injury sustained during the Suns’ recent 61-point loss to Adelaide. Rioli’s expected recovery timeline could see him sidelined for up to six weeks.
This latest injury adds to the challenges faced by the Suns as they continue to chase their first finals appearance. They currently sit eighth on the ladder, having struggled in their previous match, failing to score in the opening half. Rioli joins teammate Touk Miller (hamstring) on the injury list. Miller’s recovery timeline has shifted to “short-term,” with an expected absence of at least two weeks.
Despite these setbacks, the Suns may regain Sam Collins (calf) and Lachie Weller (cork) as they prepare for the upcoming QClash against the second-placed Brisbane Lions. Brisbane’s veteran Dayne Zorko (foot soreness) is also confirmed to be available for the match.
In other developments, Melbourne’s Tom Sparrow is on track to return against St Kilda after recovering from a concussion sustained in a contest earlier in the season. As teams make their final pushes toward the finals, injuries will play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of the remaining matches.
