Hawthorn star Will Day had a shoulder reconstruction in January 2026. He was expected to miss the first half of the AFL season. He dislocated his right shoulder in a tackling drill at the Kennedy Community Centre, the club’s base in Dingley.
Key Facts
- Player: Will Day, 2023 Peter Crimmins Medal winner.
- Injury: Dislocated right shoulder.
- Surgery: Shoulder reconstruction.
- Expected return: Around the mid-season bye in round 14, in early June, AFL.com.au reported.
- Recent history: Only six games in 2025 because of two foot injuries.
Bad Luck Again
Day had only just returned to full training after a bone stress injury in his foot. He missed the 2024 finals with a collarbone injury.
Who Steps Up
AFL.com.au named Cam Mackenzie and Josh Ward as pre-season standouts. Josh Weddle and Connor Macdonald also trained in the midfield.
Update
Day later returned through the VFL in late May 2026, according to AFL.com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury does Will Day have?
A dislocated right shoulder, which needed a reconstruction.
When was Will Day expected back?
Around Hawthorn’s mid-season bye in round 14.
Where did it happen?
In a tackling drill at the Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley.
Conclusion
Day’s run of injuries was a big blow, but Hawthorn’s young midfielders got a chance to shine.
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