The stats
AFL games: 19
Disposals per game: 18.5
Marks: 6.9
Kicks: 10.7
Tackles: 1.2
Total goals: 13
Review
After enjoying a breakout 2016 season that saw Sicily kick 30 goals for the year, Hawks fans would have been somewhat surprised to see the youngster training with the backline over the summer.
The 22-year old was trialled at the defensive end throughout the NAB Cup and was selected in the back six for the Round 1 clash against Essendon.
Having been dropped after the season opener, Sicily spent three weeks at Box Hill before returning to the senior forward line to kick 11 goals over the next seven games.
But Sicily’s true form came after the midseason bye, when Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson opted to return him to defence.
For the final ten games of the season, the Western Jets product averaged 24.1 possessions, 9.1 marks and 2.2 contested marks.
The outstanding burst of form suggested Sicily has once and for all found his calling, but Hawks fans will watch closely how Sicily is trained over the 2018 preseason.
A word from: Adem Yze
“Sicily had an unusual season in that he trained down back and played the first couple of games there.
“Then we moved him forward to try and help us in the front end, which he did pretty well.
“But then, with our injuries down back, we sent him back there to cover for us down there.
“His form in the second half of the year was outstanding as a defender. I think he has probably found his spot there, he reads the ball well. His intercept marking is elite, I think for the second half of the year he was ranked number one in the competition.
“Hopefully he can come back and really start leading the way down there.”
