Hawthorn’s surge into September looked to have been dealt a bitter blow with star midfielder Will Day taken to hospital with what appeared to be a serious collarbone injury during their 63-point win over Richmond at the MCG.
However, X-rays showed no collarbone break for Day, with more assessment needed on Monday to determine the extent of the injury and how it will impact the remainder of his season.
Will Day was subbed out with what appeared to be a serious collarbone injury.Credit: AFL Photos
The reigning club best and fairest was subbed out in the opening quarter after colliding with teammate Jai Newcombe in a contest in the centre of the ground. He left the ground immediately with the assistance of a team doctor, cradling his right shoulder. His left was already strapped.
Before the scans, there were fears that the midfielder could be out of action for the side’s potential elimination final in just three weeks, should they finish in the top eight. And there is still a chance he could miss next week’s crucial clash with North Melbourne.
“(There’s) no break, so (that’s) good news, but that’s not enough information so he’ll have tests tomorrow, CTs and MRIs or whatever the medical team decide, but… originally we thought there’s probably something broken or whatever but no break, so more information tomorrow,” Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said after his side’s thumping win.
Day is a crucial cog in Hawthorn’s system. The 23-year-old missed the first six rounds of the season and in that time the Hawks went 1-5, that sole win was against a struggling North Melbourne in round six. Since round seven, when Day made his return, they have an 11-4 record in games he has played, not including the win over Richmond on Sunday.
Against the Tigers, the Hawks kicked seven goals within 14 minutes to start the game and finished the opening term with nine majors. They then slowed to three goals a piece in the second and third quarters, following Day’s injury, and four goals in the final term.
Hawthorn also lost Jack Scrimshaw to a dislocated finger during the game. Scans will determine the extent and recovery time for his injury, but it’s suspected to be around three weeks before his potential return. Cam Mackenzie was also taken off for a head injury assessment, which he passed and returned to play.
Hawthorn, at 13-9, still need to beat North Melbourne next weekend in Launceston to lock in their finals spot, but unless something was to go devastatingly wrong for them, they look destined to feature in September.
While the game against the Tigers started and finished well for Hawthorn, they lost some composure in the middle of the game. Richmond adjusted to Hawthorn’s early dominance and kicked seven goals to six in the second and third term, eliciting some head shakes from Mitchell in the coaches’ box.
Mitchell made his way to the bench to coach directly to his side for the final term. While the Hawks stormed home, the young side could find it harder to regain control in tougher moments or with momentum swinging against them against a top-eight side.
Veteran three-time premiership player Jack Gunston, who kicked five goals, said they dropped the ball a bit in the second term and got a much-needed talking to.
“We weren’t happy with it and got a kick up the arse at half-time, which we needed, and I think the boys responded well,” Gunston told Fox post game.
However, in a positive light looking towards that finals push, which Gunston alluded to, Hawthorn’s forward line is firing on all cylinders. Against Richmond, they had nine individual goalscorers. Adding to Gunston’s haul, Calsher Dear and Nick Watson both had three, while James Worpel and Dylan Moore booted two each. Newcombe was also prolific on the ball with 33 possessions, 15 of those contested.
Day’s and Scrimshaw’s injuries could also make room for other players, including Josh Ward, to step up next week.
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