Hawthorn youngster Will Day says he feels like a “different player” as he looks to enter his fourth season in the brown and gold.

It comes after Day produced a solid year of development in 2022, playing 17 of a possible 22 games.

Speaking to RSN Breakfast this week, Day said he was looking to take the next step in 2023. 

“Last season I just had a little bit of a break (ankle) after the end of the year and then got straight back into it a few weeks later and it’s held up really well,” Day said. 

“It’s probably been my first full pre-season so far without any niggles so I’m loving it.

“I have a lot more confidence in my body and with my fitness levels I’ve managed to get a lot more workload in and a bit more strength behind me as well.”

The Hawks return to their pre-season training last week following a three-week break over the Christmas period.

While having played most of his 33 career games in the defence, Day said he has been enjoying training with the midfield group this pre-season.

“It’s been a good change up, I definitely see myself there in the long-term, so it’s been good to get some work in,” Day said. 

“Last year I had some exposure to the midfield as well and I think it’s something Sam and I have been chatting about. 

“The end of last year we had a meeting and said this was the way we were going to go, so I’m pretty excited.”

Day said several of his teammates have impressed him so far on the track in 2023, including the likes of the club’s recent crop of draftees. 

“We had a pretty tough training block before Christmas, especially with Burgey (Hawthorn’s High Performance Manager) coming in, it’s been a good change up,” he said.

“All our draftees have been pretty impressive – Josh Weddle gave CJ (Changkuoth Jiath) a run at the time trials

“Josh has an athletic background, his body is also unbelievable and super strong. 

“And Cam Mackenzie is another one, he has been showing us what he can do out of stoppages as well.

“We’re all really excited about a lot of the new faces.”