West Adelaide young gun Will Day follows in grandfather’s footsteps after being drafted to Hawthorn
Robert Day played 38 games for the Hawks, including the 1971 premiership. Now his grandson, Will, has the chance to add another chapter to the family’s brown and gold story after being drafted to the club.
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Will Day grew up being regaled by tales from his grandfather Robert of his exploits in the famous brown and gold.
The dream of following in the 1971 Hawthorn premiership player’s footsteps once seemed a lifetime away for young Will until, on Wednesday night, it became reality.
The 18-year-old West Adelaide defender was plucked by the Hawks with pick 13, sealing a piece of history for the Day family.
“It’s pretty special,” Day said of joining the club where Robert played 38 games from 1971-72.
“Growing up I’ve looked up to him and what he was able to achieve, obviously being at Hawthorn now is pretty cool.
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“I’m just letting it sink in. It doesn’t feel real yet but I’m stoked.
“(Grandpa) was lost for words to begin with, we got his premiership guernsey out and a few other things.
“He was just grateful and stoked, really stoked.”
Robert played in the Hawks’ seven-point grand final triumph over St Kilda his first season at the club, but the now 75-year-old really made his name at Richmond Oval as a three-time Bloods best and fairest winner and SA Football Hall of Famer.
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Day may not get the chance to make the same type of mark at West, but his performances in the red and black this year caught the eye of the Hawks.
The former state baseball representative, who gave up the sport to focus on footy, shot up draft boards with his athleticism, rebound from defence and ability to efficiently kick on both sides.
The 187cm Day averaged 26 disposals in four under-18 games for West and also played three reserves matches, along with school footy at Sacred Heart.
He averaged 19 disposals per game with 79 per cent kicking efficiency at the national championships.
Robert says he has “been trying to keep a lid on it” but could not hide his excitement.
“The greatest thing about this for me is Alastair Clarkson, who I think is very astute and one of the best going around, has sat down and made a judgment call to pick Will and take a chance on him,” Robert says.
“But he (Will) has done it all himself, on and off the field he’s worked hard for it.”
Will’s ability to kick with both feet didn’t come about by chance, it was due to years of practice with a great teacher.
“He used to hate the fact when he kicked with grandpa he had to kick with his left foot but I made him,” Robert says.
“By the time he got to 12 he could kick on both feet as well as handball.
“When you see that talent as a grandpa it’s hard not to be excited.
“The thing about Will is he wants to do it and has the skills to do it. If he can handle the physicality against men and have some resilience he can do it at the next level.”
Day said he met with the Hawks several times early in year before it appeared their interest had cooled, leading him to believe other keen clubs such as Port Adelaide were more possible destinations.
Hawthorn recruiting manager Mark McKenzie said the club sees Day as a utility across half-back and on the wing, with a future in the midfield once he adds weight to his slight frame.
Phone calls from stars Tom Mitchell and Isaac Smith along with texts from a list of Hawks stars have only added to a surreal 24 hours for Day.
But the call that stood out was from four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson.
“Clarko called pretty much straight away and said he loved the way I played and he’s excited to get me down there,” Day said.
patrick.keam@news.com.au