No love lost as Day sets tone for spicy QClash
The foundation Gold Coast forward, selected with the third pick in the 2010 AFL draft, was delisted last season.
A long list of injuries stalled him in his prime and the emergence of Ben King, Jed Walter, Ethan Read and Will Graham contributed to him playing no more than six games in any of the last four seasons.
The Suns opted to move on from the 32-year-old but Day wasn't prepared to walk off into the sunset.
Joe Daniher's retirement had the Lions in the market for a key forward and Day was an obvious option.
"Absolutely, I definitely want to perform," Day told AAP ahead of Sunday's Queensland derby.
"I felt like I was let go when I still had something to give for the club that I loved for such a long time."
The Lions boast a 20-7 record against their southern rivals and have won 11 of their last 12 clashes, dating back to 2018.
It will be the first time they play each other as top-three sides, with the Lions (6-1) sharp in their premiership defence and the Suns (5-1) enjoying their best start to an AFL season.
"It'll be a hot QClash as they usually are, both feeling-wise and footy-wise," Day said.
"I'm excited and nervous. It's one thing I've known for such a long time, is the Suns and they're going to be pretty hot, I reckon."
Day has earned a role ahead of Darcy Fort as a tall forward and back-up ruckman to Oscar McInerney.
He kicked a vital goal to stop St Kilda's second-half comeback on Saturday and added a goal assist to go with 16 hit-outs and four clearances.
"Subconsciously I knew when it was but I didn't have a target on it, kind of thing," Day said of the QClash.
"I haven't played a lot of AFL in the last few years, just focused on playing my role, then building on that which I feel I'm doing quite well at the moment."
He said deputising for McInerney and a change of scenery in his 15th AFL season had been inspiring.
"I don't want to let him down when I go in there," he said of backing up the fan favourite in the ruck.
"I want to make sure his good work is continued; he's such a star when he's in there, I love working with him.
"To have that new environment, you feel a new lease on life and body-wise, the staff have been awesome
"I've missed a lot of footy (over the years) and touch wood, I shouldn't talk about it because whenever I talk about it something happens."
The Suns played their part to ensure a tantalising battle, coming from 29 points behind to trounce Sydney by 38 on Sunday.
Victory at the Gabba against the in-form reigning premiers would be a statement for a side seeking a maiden finals appearance.
"Can I have one Balter (beer) before I think about it," Hardwick smiled on Sunday.
"It's great for the state, isn't it?
"It's a great measuring stick ... a really proud footy club we are looking to emulate.
"We get a really important challenge against a side we haven't done particularly well against. So we are looking forward to it."
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