He signed a two-year contract extension last month, and Sam Day showed exactly why the Gold Coast SUNS wanted to keep him on Saturday when he booted four straight in his team’s 53-point thumping of the Brisbane Lions in QClash 7.
In 44 previous AFL games, Day had never previously kicked four goals in a game, but the big man had a day out at Metricon Stadium against the team he made his debut against three seasons back. Until today, that match was the GC SUNS’ only victory to date over their northern neighbour.
Day looked the man most likely to make an impact on the scoreboard against Fremantle last week, and after spending plenty of the 2013 season in defence, he seems to have found a home again in the forward line.
“I think it’s been building up a little bit,” Day said.
“I feel a bit more confident in myself these days, so it’s good, and the boys are delivering the ball in really well to the forward line tonight, so it was great to kick a few.”
Day had kicked 24 goals in 42 matches prior to this season, but after booting two majors against both Richmond and Freo, he now has eight in total for 2014, just four short of last year’s return.
Coach Guy McKenna admitted it was difficult to judge the ability and impact of his forwards in the club’s first two seasons due to a lack of supply, but now the likes of Day, Tom Lynch and the injured Charlie Dixon have an opportunity to shine.
“I think they’re all ready to take that next step, it’s just about supplying him with that opportunity,” McKenna said.
“He will get that opportunity from a game point of view, as long as he is in-form and fit.”
The SUNS couldn’t make an impression on last year’s runners-up, the Dockers, last week in Perth. Next Saturday they welcome premier Hawthorn to the Glitter Strip, with the Hawks going in to the match on the back of a dominating 58-point triumph over Freo on Friday night.
“Every game we go in to is just as big,” Day said.
“I think we’re starting to make this place a bit of a fortress for us.
“I think we’ve got a pretty good percentage over the last 15 or so games, so hopefully we can continue that next week.”
