AFL 2026: Will Day to Continue on Managed Minutes for Hawks
A Hawks star will continue to play on managed minutes as others remain a test for their upcoming clash with the Western Bulldogs.
Harvey Constable @HDConstable | June 3, 2026 - 2:17PM
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says Will Day will continue to play on managed minutes as other Hawks remain a test ahead of their Friday night clash with the Bulldogs.
Day returned to the AFL last week after sustaining a shoulder injury during the pre-season, finishing with 18 disposals and five clearances from just 62 per cent time-on-ground.
“He (Day) pulled up well,” Mitchell said. “He’ll still be managed – less managed. Eight or 10 minutes more than he did last week. We usually have a player who plays around that level of game time anyway. It’s not usually someone like Will Day … so we’re just using that for him at the moment.”
Day played his first AFL game of the 2026 season against the Saints last Thursday.
Mitchell also confirmed Conor Nash – who was a late out last week – will be a test.
“He had a sort of a strange spasm in his neck so he’s still a test if I’m honest,” Mitchell said. “I was certain he was playing this time last week. We’re more optimistic than pessimistic.”
Mitchell also revealed he had asked the AFL for clarification on the rules after Nick Watson was called for running off his mark and denied a goal after the half time siren.
“I sent a few questions up the flagpole and got some answers. It’ll be interesting to see if anything else comes back,” he said. “I’ve had a chat with our players about what I thought the rules were and where you have to kick from. We control what can control and that's making sure we understand the rules. I didn’t think it was an umpiring issue, I thought it was a rule issue and … it’s getting closer to a resolution it seems.”
