An encouraging return by versatile swingman Sam Day against Carlton on Sunday afternoon should help strengthen the Gold Coast SUNS in the key posts heading into the back half of the season.
 
The South Australian had not played in Rodney Eade’s side since round three’s loss to Geelong, having dislocated his right elbow the following week in the NEAFL and missing six weeks through the injury. Day returned through the reserves prior to the bye and was then brought back into the senior twenty-two.
 
The 22-year-old was serviceable in his return game, gathering ten possessions and ten spoils in defence. After getting through unscathed, and not experiencing any awareness with his elbow, Day revealed that he had little issue running out the game upon his return.
 
“Surprisingly good for a first game. I played one NEAFL game before the bye, which is nice just to get the legs going again. No problems with the elbow at the moment. Once I’m out there I don’t really think about it which is good,” Day told SUNS RAW following Gold Coast’s 34-point loss to Carlton.
 
Blessed with an array of athletic gifts, the former pick No. 3 has played at either end of the ground during his 68-game career. It still remains unclear where he is most damaging, with Day starting in defence against the Blues before pushing forward in the final term to cover the loss of Charlie Dixon.
 
“I prefer playing up forward, but we’re a bit light on down back so help out where I can. But obviously forwards my position - be that lead up,” Day said.
 
“I think we’re the best when all three of us are playing, so hopefully Charlie’s ankle’s not too bad and he can get back out there as soon as possible.”
 
After another disappointing performance by the SUNS, a host of inclusions in the coming weeks should help strengthen the side, particularly in the midfield where they look most vulnerable at the moment.
 
“I think we just keep building, go back to training. We’re looking forward to getting a few boys back – Rory Thompson, Dave Swallow, ‘Gaz’ [Gary Ablett], hopefully back sooner rather than later,” Day said.
 
“Keep getting more players back and keep cracking in, that’s all we can do towards the later part of the year.”