Hawthorn is leaving the door ajar for exciting defender Will Day to play his first senior match in nine months in Saturday night’s road clash with Port Adelaide.
The smooth-moving young gun’s surgically repaired right ankle came through unscathed after he played three quarters for Box Hill against North Melbourne in a practice match at Arden St xjmtzywon Saturday.
A round 2 return would be a surprising development for Day, who initially struggled to shake the injury this summer.
The 20-year-old is one of the Hawks’ most promising footballers, so his inclusion would be a timely boost for the testing encounter against the Power.
Jarman Impey (ankle) is also poised to return at second-tier level next week after a similarly lengthy absence.
Hawthorn will regain key pair Ben McEvoy and Luke Breust after they missed the season-opening victory over North Melbourne while being in the AFL’s Covid health and safety protocols.
But ruck recruit Max Lynch (concussion) will sit out this weekend’s match following a first-half collision with Kangaroo Lachie Young in round 1.
Day’s potential availability will be determined in the coming days, with the Hawks’ weighing up whether it will be better for him to play a full game in the VFL against Collingwood on Sunday.
Hawthorn’s caution is based on his lack of game play across an extended period, including only five appearances and multiple right ankle setbacks last season.
There is still no return date for speedster Lachie Bramble (foot) but he has started running on the Alter-G machine, while second-year wingman Connor Downie (hamstring) won’t play before round 4.
Huge injury blow for Essendon midfielder
Essendon midfielder Kyle Langford faces up to 10 weeks on the sidelines recovering from his hamstring setback in the Bombers’ nightmare round 1 defeat to Geelong.
The 25-year-old was due to play his 100th game this weekend but will instead watch from the sidelines as Essendon tries to avoid a second-straight season defeat to Brisbane on Saturday.
The hamstring strain, which occurred in the opening minutes of the Bombers’ 66-point loss to the Cats, is to the same leg that cost him a finals spot last year.
Essendon head of football Josh Mahoney said all suitable rehabilitation options were being considered for Langford, including surgery.
“Unfortunately for Kyle, the strain is on the same side as his previous injury and therefore we will take a conservative approach with his rehabilitation,” Mahoney said.
“Kyle is likely to be sidelined for approximately eight to 10 weeks but we will consult with a surgeon in the coming week to assess all options for recovery.
“We’re disappointed for Kyle who had completed a strong pre-season but we look forward to welcoming him back to the fold mid-season.”
