Stand-in skipper James Sicily has landed his first fan-voted MVP for the 2022 season following Hawthorn’s loss to Richmond on Saturday.

The 27-year-old was outstanding against Coleman Medal leader Tom Lynch and even though the in-form big man still led the Tigers scoring, Sicily was the Hawks' best player on the day. 

Providing plenty of drive from the backline in the entertaining match-up against Lynch, Sicily gathered 24 disposals while operating at 83.3 per cent efficiency.

The key defender dominated across several stats as he asserted his flair and dare, notching up game-high tallies for marks (9), metres gained (680), spoils (12) and rebound 50s (12). 

Sicily has made an impressive return from the knee injury that sidelined him last season, demonstrating his consistency week in, week out, while also emerging as one of Hawthorn's key leaders.

Arguably one of the best defenders in the competition, Sicily is ranked second in the league for marks averaging an impressive 9.4 per game.

Watch Sicily’s highlights from Saturday’s game below.