In 2015, Sam Day was the Gold Coast SUNS’ ultimate swingman.
With a mounting injury toll at Metricon Stadium in the back half of last season, Day played a variety of roles at both ends of the ground to fill gaps wherever the coaching staff needed him to.
This year, the South Australian has been given a set role as the SUNS’ second key forward that chops out in the ruck when required. It’s this certainty that’s paying dividends with Day’s performances improving each week of the season so far, and the 23-year old is growing in confidence as a result.
“Just being able to play that consistent role (is helping),” Day told BLK RAW after the SUNS’ 54-point win over Carlton.
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“I think I was flipped back and forward just trying to play where the team needed me over the last few years.
“I sat down with Rocket at the end of last year and with Charlie [Dixon] leaving, it just opened up a big gap.
“We both thought that was my position, that forward/ruck role to help out the team and hopefully I can just keep building on my performances as the year goes on and be a really good role player for the team.”
There is an expectation that as a key forward, Day needs to kick big bags of goals. But with his partner in crime Tom Lynch leading the Coleman medal race with 13 goals in the first three games and Jack Martin (nine goals) not far behind, the former No. 3 pick is content playing his role for the team.
Day crashes packs to bring the ball to ground. He drags his opponent up the ground to create space for his fellow forwards and he applies heavy forward pressure to lock the Sherrin inside the SUNS’ forward half. These are all elements to Day’s game that the average footy fan doesn’t see.
The powerhouse is tied for second in goal assists across the entire competition with six. He had nine one-percenters on the weekend against Carlton and provided a presence right across the ground.
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With Queensland rivals Brisbane awaiting the SUNS this Saturday afternoon, Gold Coast will look to build on their start to the year with a focus on bringing a consistent effort across the four quarters against the Lions.
“I think similar to my own goals, just keep building on the year,” Day said.
“I think if we keep bringing the contest and the effort every week, the rest will take care of itself.
“If we’ve got 40-something boys available to play at the moment so it’s great to have everyone on the park and hopefully we can stay that way and just keep rolling out each week and getting the wins.”
