Will Day is a star on the rise.
Having made the switch from the backline to the centre ahead of this season, the 22-year-old has since become one of the most exciting midfielders in the game.
Now after four years with the Hawks, Day is set to chalk up his 50th AFL game this Sunday against the Saints.
But it hasn't always been easy, with injuries - including two major ankle issues - consuming a big part of his first three years at the club.
However, after putting together a full pre-season, Day has since enjoyed a break-out year thriving within his new role as part of Hawthorn's engine room.
Speaking to AFL.com.au earlier this year, Day said having a strong summer training block was vital in building his rise in form.
"I think it's been a reflection on the work over the past few years and having my first full pre-season. I thought it was a bit of a cliché when I heard people say 'once he has a full pre-season he'll be right' but seeing how I've had a bit more confidence it's been nice to finally play the way I knew I could have the past few years," Day said.
"In 2021 when I did my ankle twice, the game before I broke my ankle I played a really good game. I came back from my ankle injury and three games later played a good game again, so I thought that would translate into last year which it just didn't. So there was a bit of doubt. But this year has given me a lot of confidence and I know I'm not near the best that I can get to so it's promising.
"In my exit meeting last year we had a good chat and we said I'd do my pre-season there (in the midfield) and if it goes alright I'll stay there but if not I knew I could go back to half-back.
"The rigours of the midfield are definitely different to half-back and now that I've had exposure to both has been good for my development and has probably helped me to where my body's at now."
Originally drafted as Pick 13 in the 2019 National Draft, Day made his first appearance in Round 6 the following year.
After playing 16 games across two seasons, 2022 saw the youngster string some more consistency together as made 17 appearances, averaging 16 disposals per game.
But in 2023, the man affectionately known as ‘Daysy’ took things up a notch, cementing himself as one of the best young players in the competition.
Averaging 25.8 disposals, 5.4 marks and 4.3 clearances per game this year, Day has been instrumental in Hawthorn's new-look midfield line-up alongside the likes of Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash and James Worpel.
He has been time and again praised for not only his work rate and use of the ball, but for also his impressive leadership qualities.
Day signed a four-year contract in April which will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2027.
"The club, the culture, the people, love everything about it. When I talk about the people it's just not the football staff, but the people working upstairs as well - it's just an awesome environment," Day said off the back of his re-signing earlier this year.
"At the end of the day, I love the club. My family has felt welcomed since I've come here. There wasn't really any thought of leaving.
"We've got lots of guys who are coming through and are going to take the next step whether it's this year or next year and the path that we're on I'm really excited. I wanted to buy in to that and really commit."
