Hawthorn have ruled Will Day out of their upcoming elimination final against the Western Bulldogs as he continues to recover from a collarbone injury.
Day sustained the SC joint setback in Round 23 against Richmond and has since pressed his case to return in time for the Hawks' first September showing in six years.
The reigning Peter Crimmins Medal winner has commenced running and has looked to build his training workload over the past week. However, he has fallen short in his bid to be ready for next Friday's must-win match.
Hawthorn Head Doctor Liam West confirmed on Saturday that Day won't be available to face the Bulldogs.
โWill certainly is improving, he has been able to resume running and has been training over the past week,โ West said in a club update.
โBut at this stage, Will hasn't reached the level of function to return to full skills training yet and given his specific injury, we unfortunately know he won't be able to achieve this in time to be considered for selection next week.
โWe plan to progress Will's rehab next week and remain hopeful that he may be available for the second week of finals, should we progress.โ
Meanwhile, defender Changkuoth Jiath will make his return from a calf injury on Saturday against Williamstown in the VFL.
Jiath is joined by Chad Wingard (ankle) and Ned Reeves (back) in being named for Box Hill after recent setbacks. Midfielder Conor Nash (quad) is expected to be available for Hawthorn's elimination final against the Dogs.
If the Hawks are to progress, they'll face either Geelong or Port Adelaide in a semi-final the week after, where Day could be available.
