Star Hawthorn midfielder Will Day is set to make his highly anticipated return in the Thursday night clash against Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This pivotal Round 20 matchup in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will see Day back on the field after a long recovery from a stress fracture in his foot.
Meanwhile, Carlton is poised for an offensive surge with the return of spearhead forward Harry McKay and midfielder Blake Acres. Coach Michael Voss has made strategic changes to bolster the team’s lineup as they prepare to face the Hawks.
Will Day’s Comeback: A Boost for Hawthorn
The 24-year-old Day played in the Hawks’ opening four games this season but has been sidelined since Round 3 due to his foot injury. His return is a significant boost for Hawthorn, who are eager to strengthen their midfield presence. Day’s inclusion comes at the expense of Finn Maginness, who is out for the season with a lacerated kidney.
Hawthorn’s key forward, Mabior Chol, remains absent due to a groin injury, a setback that has kept him out since the team’s victory over Port Adelaide last Saturday. Despite this, Day’s return is expected to bring a new dynamic to the Hawks’ strategy.
Carlton’s Strategic Adjustments
Carlton’s lineup sees the return of Harry McKay, who has recovered from a knee injury that kept him off the field since Round 11. His presence is expected to enhance Carlton’s forward line significantly. Alongside McKay, Blake Acres has been recalled after being omitted in Round 18, adding depth to the midfield.
The changes come at the expense of Flynn Young, who is sidelined with a sprained foot, and Francis Evans, who is recovering from a concussion. Additionally, the match will mark the final AFL appearance for the retiring Sam Docherty, who will play his 184th game.
Key Match Details
The highly anticipated clash between Hawthorn and Carlton will kick off at 7:30 pm AEST on Thursday, July 24, at the MCG. Teams and squads for the remaining eight matches of the round will be released at 6:20 pm AEST on Thursday evening.
ROUND 20 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (All times AEST)
- HAWTHORN v CARLTON
Thursday July 24, 7:30pm at the MCG - HAWKS
- B: J.Battle, T.Barrass, B.Hardwick
- HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily (c), J.Scrimshaw
- C: H.Morrison, J.Worpel, J.Ward
- HF: K.Amon, C.Dear, N.Watson
- F: C.Macdonald, M.Lewis, D.Moore
- R: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, W.Day
- I/C: M.D’Ambrosio, C.Nash, J.Ginnivan, J.Gunston, B.Macdonald
- EMG: M.Ramsden, C.Mackenzie, J.Serong
- In: W.Day
- Out: F.Maginness (Injured)
- BLUES
- B: L.Cowan, J.Weitering, N.Haynes
- HB: S.Docherty, H.O’Farrell, O.Hollands
- C: B.Acres, P.Cripps (c), M.Carroll
- HF: L.Fogarty, C.Curnow, C.Durdin
- F: W.White, H.McKay, A.Moir
- R: T.De Koning, G.Hewett, A.Cerra
- I/C: A.Saad, Z.Williams, C.Lord, M.Pittonet, J.Motlop
- EMG: J.Binns, J.Boyd, H.O’Keeffe
- In: B.Acres, H.McKay
- Out: F.Evans (Injured), F.Young (Injured)
Upcoming Matches and Fixtures
As the AFL season intensifies, fans can look forward to a series of exciting matches in Round 20. The following fixtures are set to captivate audiences across the country:
- ESSENDON v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Friday July 25, 7:20pm at Marvel Stadium - GWS GIANTS v SYDNEY SWANS
Friday July 25, 7:50pm at ENGIE Stadium - GOLD COAST SUNS v BRISBANE LIONS
Saturday July 26, 1:20pm at People First Stadium - FREMANTLE v WEST COAST EAGLES
Saturday July 26, 4:15pm at Optus Stadium - NORTH MELBOURNE v GEELONG
Saturday July 26, 7:35pm at Marvel Stadium - ADELAIDE CROWS v PORT ADELAIDE
Saturday July 26, 8:10pm at Adelaide Oval - RICHMOND v COLLINGWOOD
Sunday July 27, 2:10pm at the MCG - ST KILDA v MELBOURNE
Sunday July 27, 3:15pm at Marvel Stadium
Looking Ahead
With the AFL season reaching its climax, the return of key players like Will Day and Harry McKay is set to add intrigue and excitement to the competition. As teams battle for finals positions, every match becomes crucial, and fans can expect thrilling performances on the field.
For those eager to catch all the action, FOX FOOTY on Kayo Sports remains the premier destination to watch every match live in 4K, without ad-breaks during play. New subscribers can enjoy a special offer of their first month for just $1.
As the season unfolds, the stakes continue to rise. The upcoming fixtures promise to deliver high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments, with teams vying for glory in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
