Key stats:
AFL games: 21
Disposals per game: 25.6
Marks per game: 5.8
Clearances per game: 4.2
Season summary:
Season 2023 was a coming-of-age for Day, as a permanent move to the midfield elevated his status as one of the league’s most consistent and damaging players. In just his fourth season, Day took out Hawthorn’s highest honour, awarded the Peter Crimmins Medal. After starting his journey playing predominantly half back, the 22-year-old’s midfield switch saw him enjoy a career-best year with impressive numbers right across the board. With his toughness around the contest and poise by foot becoming defining features of his game, Day averaged 25.6 disposals, 4.2 clearances and 5.8 marks per game. Having only just surpassed his 50th game, his best and fairest win adds to an impressive year that also saw him claim Hawthorn’s fan-voted MVP award, along with earning a spot in the AFLPA's 22Under22 team.
Best AFL game:
Day was instrumental from start to finish in Round 7, as the Hawks fell to the Dogs in a disappointing loss. Often getting his hands on the footy first, he collected an equal-career high 30 touches, as well as having seven clearances, five marks and booted a goal.
How the coaches saw him:
“Daysy had a really strong year in what was his first season as a midfielder. It was clear for everyone to see that he has got really great attributes as that inside player. His footwork, his footy smarts, how clean and tough he is, are all understated. That quartet of four (Day, Newcombe, Nash and Worpel) really set the standard in terms of consistency, they played a lot of footy together. Daysy has that versatility, we played him a few times behind the ball, he was able to kick some goals late too. With the understanding now required for a midfielder, we’re really excited about what he can do.” – David Hale
