Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Will Day will miss Hawthorn Football Club’s weekend AFL match against Richmond Football Club at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after suffering a corked calf. Coach Sam Mitchell expects the midfielder to miss only one game.

The third-placed Hawthorn Football Club will regain Nick Watson from a hamstring injury, while Josh Battle returns after appendix surgery and Josh Weddle returns. Will Day has played six games since returning in Round 12 from a shoulder reconstruction.

For more AFL coverage, read about Rowan Marshall’s possible Geelong Cats move. Match information is available through the official Hawthorn Football Club fixture.

Sam Mitchell Expects Short Absence

“Will Day won't play ... he got a cork in his calf and he wasn't going to be able to train today,” Sam Mitchell said.

Sam Mitchell explained that Hawthorn Football Club had already planned to rest Will Day during the run home. The calf problem brought that break forward, with no further managed absence currently planned before the finals.

Nick Watson’s return restores speed and goal threat to the forward line. Josh Battle and Josh Weddle will strengthen the defensive unit against Richmond Football Club.

Collingwood Football Club Manage Defenders

Collingwood Football Club will rest Jeremy Howe against Carlton Football Club because of hip and groin soreness. Lachie Schultz could miss four weeks with a low-grade syndesmosis injury, while Isaac Quaynor has recovered from an ankle problem.

Fremantle Football Club have rested Shai Bolton for their match against Port Adelaide Football Club as he manages a hand issue. Hayden Young returns from a groin injury, with Mason Cox retaining his position ahead of Sean Darcy.