Hawthorn midfielder Will Day has undergone surgery for a dislocated right shoulder sustained during a pre-season training session. The 24-year-old is expected to be sidelined for approximately four months, with his return targeted for after the club's mid-season bye in Round 14 of the upcoming 2026 AFL season. This injury follows a series of previous setbacks, including multiple foot injuries and a collarbone issue that ended his 2024 season.
Injury Details and Initial Assessment
Will Day sustained a right shoulder dislocation during pre-season training on a Thursday morning at Hawthorn's Dingley facility, specifically during a tackling drill at the Kennedy Community Centre. Day, aged 24, was observed being assisted off the training ground. Scans subsequently confirmed the dislocation. Hawthorn football boss Rob McCartney initially stated that there was no bone damage associated with the dislocation.
Surgery and Recovery Timeline
Day underwent surgery to repair his right shoulder on the following Monday. This procedure, described by some sources as a shoulder reconstruction, is expected to sideline him for approximately four months. His recovery timeline indicates that he is not anticipated to be available until around Round 14 of the 2026 AFL season, which coincides with the club's mid-season bye in early June. Consequently, Day is expected to miss the first half of the upcoming 2026 AFL season, delaying his start to the competition.
Previous Injury History
This shoulder injury represents the latest in a series of physical setbacks for Day. Prior to the shoulder dislocation, he had returned to full training the previous Monday, following recovery from a bone stress injury in his foot. In the 2025 season, Day was limited to six appearances due to two separate foot issues. His 2024 season also experienced a delayed start due to a navicular stress fracture, which required surgery in April of that year. He played two games in late July before re-injuring his foot. Additionally, Day missed Hawthorn's last two finals appearances in 2024 due to a complex collarbone injury, which affected the same right shoulder region. He has not participated in September matches in the past two seasons due to late-season injuries. Day was awarded the Peter Crimmins Medal in 2023.
Club Response and Impact
Hawthorn General Manager Rob McCartney confirmed the successful completion of the surgery and the establishment of a recovery timeline for Day. McCartney acknowledged Day's dedication to his rehabilitation and stated the club's commitment to supporting him through the recovery process. Day's absence is expected to test Hawthorn's midfield depth during the first half of the 2026 season. Cam Mackenzie, Josh Ward, Josh Weddle, and Connor Macdonald have been noted for increasing their training time with the midfield group during the pre-season period.