Sam Day keen to play on at another club after Gold Coast Suns farewell

Sam Day wants to extend his AFL career at a second club after being delisted by the Gold Coast, declaring he still has “a lot to give”.

Sam Day is not ready to hang up the boots just yet despite being told by Gold Coast he would not be offered a contract for next season.

The powerful 197cm key forward will explore his options in the upcoming free agency and trade period, eager to build on the strong form he showed in five games this season before injury cruelled his campaign.

Day, 31, was one of just two inaugural Suns still on the list alongside former captain David Swallow.

But his 14-year stint at the Suns is now over after he was told this week there would be no place for him at the club next year.

Sam Day isn’t ready to call time on his 155-game AFL career. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It brings to an end a turbulent 155-game career at Carrara for the No. 3 pick in the 2010 draft, which could and should have produced much more if not for a spate of significant injury setbacks.

The latest of which, a plantar fascia issue, cut him down just as he was hitting career-best form.

The popular Sun, who last year was awarded life membership at the club after bringing up his 150th game, booted 10 goals in five games this season including bags of three against Geelong and Fremantle.

Against North Melbourne in round 17, he had five contested marks and two goals to his name midway through the second quarter before hobbling off with the foot injury that would ultimately end his AFL season.

Sam Day scores a crucial goal from long-range after slick Suns transition!#AFLFreoSunspic.twitter.com/COTZZiXNx2

— AFL (@AFL) June 23, 2024

He returned from injury to play in the Suns’ VFL wildcard round defeat to Frankston, booting 4.2.

“I feel like I have a lot to give both physically and mentally,” Day said earlier this season.

“I absolutely want to go around again, I’m definitely motivated.

“A couple of long-term friends have said, ‘you’re the happiest you’ve ever been’ which I attribute to footy and family life as well.

“I just have that upbeat spring in my step at the moment and I’m really enjoying going to work.”

Day showed this season that when healthy he can still be a powerful and mobile key forward.

Perhaps with a change of scenery, the luckless South Australian can make good on his potential in the twilight of his career.

Originally published as Sam Day keen to play on at another club after Gold Coast Suns farewell