AustralianFootball.com Celebrating the history of the great Australian game
Full name
Ian Douglas Day
Known as
Ian Day
Senior clubs
West Adelaide; South Adelaide
Hall of fame
South Australian Football Hall Of Fame (2007)
Family links
Robert Day (Brother)Sam Day (Grandson)Will Day (Great nephew)
Club | League | Career span | Games | Goals | Avg | Win % | AKI | AHB | AMK | BV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
West Adelaide | SANFL | 1952-1960 | 67 | 80 | 1.19 | — | — | — | — | — |
South Adelaide | SANFL | 1961-1964 | 68 | 98 | 1.44 | — | — | — | — | — |
SANFL | 1952-1964 | 135 | 178 | 1.32 | — | — | — | — | — | |
Total | 1952-1964 | 135 | 178 | 1.32 | — | — | — | — | — |
An accomplished and combative rover, Ian Day gave good service to two league clubs in a 12-season career at the top level. He began at West Adelaide in 1952, and played a total of 67 league matches there (missing the whole of the 1953 season) before crossing to South Adelaide in 1961. The timing of this move meant that he missed the opportunity later that year to participate in West’s Grand Final defeat of Norwood, but he made amends three seasons later by helping South to its first flag since 1938. Day formed part of a powerful first ruck combination that day along with Peter Darley and Neil Kerley, and had the satisfaction of kicking the Panthers’ ninth, and final, goal of the match. It was the last of Ian Day’s 68 SANFL matches for the club. He also kicked a total of 178 goals, 80 with Westies, and 98 for South which included a club list heading tally of 35 in his last season.
Ian Day’s younger brother Robert played with distinction for West Adelaide and Hawthorn. Once his playing career was over, Ian Day became, and continued for many years as, a television football commentator of note.
Author - John Devaney