James Sicily has had his fair share of ups and downs throughout his first 49 games of his short career. Despite the odd on-field misdemeanour, his impact has been overtly positive since he was drafted to the club with Pick No.56 in the 2013 AFL Draft.
Sicily made an immediate impact up forward in just his second season, cementing himself in the Hawks best 22 with 30 goals from 22 games. More importantly, he stamped himself as a match winner with the ability to single-handedly win a game for his side.
Recently, the swingman has transitioned into a role as an intercept defender, putting his phenomenal reading of the play and damaging disposal on show. His impact on games is being noticed by opposition sides, occasionally copping extra attention to curb his influence.
There is no doubting Sicily’s passion on-field, making him a loveable player for the Hawthorn faithful. Conversely, he may be considered a footballer some opposition supporters love to hate.
Here are three of Sicily’s most memorable performances to date in Hawks colours:
Round 3, 2016 vs Western Bulldogs
12 disposals, seven marks and three goals in three-point win
This was the game we saw James Sicily burst on the scene as a genuine X-Factor in just his sixth game at AFL level. Following a four goal haul the previous week, Sicily was the catalyst for a nail-biting Hawthorn win with three telling last quarter goals. The Hawks trailed by 19-points entering the final change but stormed home with a seven-goal last quarter to steal victory by three points under the roof at Etihad Stadium. The youngster rose to the pressure in the dying moments, slotting a set shot from 50m out with a minute left on the clock to put the Hawks in front, celebrating in true Sicily fashion.
Round 13, 2016 vs North Melbourne
3 Brownlow Votes, 13 disposals, five marks and five goals in nine-point win
Sicily’s match-winning effort against North Melbourne in 2016 is undoubtedly his best performance as a forward and arguably the best of his career. The straight shooter was the difference in the Hawks’ nine-point win, slamming home a career-high five straight goals, adding insult to injury for the wasteful Roos who finished with 11.18. Sicily proved crucial when the game was tight, booting four majors in the second half to secure the four points. The dominant display saw Sicily receive three votes on Brownlow night, the first votes of his career.
Round 20, 2017 vs Richmond
1 Brownlow vote, 29 disposals, 10 marks, nine intercept possessions and 7 rebound 50s in 29-point loss
Sicily has flourished as a defender since moving into the role since halfway through season. While he has had many influential games in defence, one that springs to mind is Hawthorn’s 29-point loss against the rampaging Tigers late last season. Sicily was pivotal across half-back as both a distributor and an interceptor, finishing with 29 disposals, 10 marks (3 contested), nine intercept possessions and seven rebound 50s. His trademark clean disposal was on display, going at an elite 82% efficiency as well as clunking three contested marks. The talented swingman was Hawthorn’s best on the day and the only Hawk to poll a Brownlow vote in the match.
