Season review: James Sicily

The stats

AFL games: 22

Disposals per game: 11.5

Marks: 4.5

Kicks: 7.6

Tackles: 2

Goals: 30

Review

James Sicily enjoyed a breakout year in 2016, playing a total of 22 games for a return of 30 goals.

He was also recognised with a NAB Rising Star nomination for his five-goal performance against the Kangaroos in Round 13, which Hawthorn won by just nine points.

His strong hands overhead and reliable kick for goal made him a valuable part of the Hawks’ forward line and his skills under pressure were crucial at various stages.

The 21-year-old showed nerves of steel in Round 3 against the Western Bulldogs, kicking the match winning goal with just a minute left in the game.

He was also able to produce on the big stage, booting four goals against West Coast in Round 2 which signalled his arrival as a bona fide AFL player.

Having stepped into the void which Jarryd Roughead has left as he concentrates on his health, Sicily will be looking to follow this year’s exploits with a strong pre-season and continuous improvement in 2017.

A word from: Brett Ratten

“Played two games last year but really cemented his spot in the team this year.

“His ability to mark the ball one-on-one or fly at the contest as a medium-sized forward is quite exciting.

“Won a couple of games for us off his own boot – the North Melbourne game where he kicked five and also the Western Bulldogs game early in the year where he kicked the match winner.”

“His kicking of the ball in very, very good and he’s had a real breakout season and done a great job.”