Australian Football

After making his league debut with West Adelaide in 1962, Robert Day, younger brother of Ian, rapidly established himself as one of the finest centremen in South Australia. Speedy, strong, well balanced, and elegant, he was a driving force behind West's assault on the 1962 premiership. In the Grand Final that year he was widely considered to be the best player afield, despite playing in a losing side.

One of the most eye-catching features of Day's game was his kicking. According to Jeff Pash, his 'long drop is a most handsome and powerful kick. He puts the ball well out, lies back on it, and gets it away with an elegant ease'¹.

Between 1963 and 1966 it is doubtful if there was a more damaging centreman in the game, a status confirmed by his selection in that position in the 1966 All Australian team. Sadly, over the remainder of his career, Day was beset by frequent injuries, although he managed to perform with some of his old consistency in 1969, achieving selection as centreman in the 'Advertiser' Team of the Year, while in 1970 he won his third club best and fairest award. 

The following season he ventured to Hawthorn for a stint in the VFL, and the long overdue fulfilment of every footballer's primary ambition, participation in a premiership team. Day was on a half back flank as the Hawks overcame St Kilda by seven points, but after putting in a solid first half performance he was forced from the fray with injury. After another season in the VFL he returned to West for one last season, with niggling injuries continuing to limit his effectiveness, as a total of just 173 league games in 12 seasons of football confirms. Day also played for South Australia a dozen times, kicking two goals.

Author - John Devaney