An eleven week stint in the backline paved the way for Sam Day to return to centre half-forward on Saturday afternoon, the 196cm future key forward finished with multiple goals in a polished performance against the Pies.

 “It was my first game back up forward and it was great to be there alongside Jared Brennan, Campbell Brown, Aaron Hall and Joshy Hall,” Day told goldcoastfc.com.au on Monday.

“All the boys were super and our defensive pressure was sound which was pleasing.”

But his highlight – house mate Seb Tape showing he could do it from both ends of the ground, the Gold Coaster intercepting the pass from Dane Swan before unloading before the 55 drop punt to notch his first AFL career goal.

“We actually joked about it during the week,” laughed Day.

“Sebby’s goal was pretty exciting. I was right there when he kicked it so yeah I was pretty excited for him and hopefully he can continue doing that going forward.”

Unsurprisingly, a few knocks and bruises from Saturday’s Round 17 classic encounter resulted in some sore bodies at yesterday’s morning recovery session, but even Day said it was a small price to pay for knocking over one of the AFL’s premiership hopefuls.

“A few knocks and bruises but fortunately no serious injuries to report so that’s good,” he said.

“We’ll probably do a bit more swimming and light running in the lead-up to Carlton this week, but our High Performance Manager Stephen Schwerdt has been pretty good all year making sure the boys get up each week.

“He’s been on top of everything since the start of the year, so we’re pretty positive everyone will be feeling good come Saturday.”

Day said he hoped the side’s seven-point victory over the Pie’s was a sign of things to come for the Gold Coasters, encouraging his team mates to leave nothing in the tank as they prepare for the final six rounds of football.

“It’s definitely exciting to have knocked off one of the top 8 sides of the competition,” he said.

“All the teams we have beaten have been below us this year so it’s exciting to build confidence on the back of that victory.

“Hopefully we can carry that on for the rest of the year.”