Young Hawk James Sicily has added another string to his bow over the last month after a mid-season move to the defensive end.
Having averaged 1.4 goals per game over his 22 games in 2016, Sicily has shown his versatility over the last month, slotting comfortably into the Hawks’ back six.
The 22-year old has thrived under the new role, boosting his numbers in all aspects of his game.
The last four outings have seen Sicily average 21.5 disposals, 8.3 marks, 2.5 contested marks and 2.8 one-percenters, all up from the 12.3 touches, 4.4 marks, 1.1 contested marks and 1.5 one-percenters that he was averaging prior to his positional change.
No Hawk has had more rebound 50s in the last month, with Sicily’s ability to use the ball being trusted to kick-start much of the Hawks’ ball movement.
Dropped to Box Hill after the Round 1 loss to Essendon, Sicily spent a fortnight at VFL level before returning to kick two goals in the Easter Monday clash against Geelong.
Fast forward 13 weeks and Sicily has missed only one match, again cementing his spot in the Hawks best 22.
Sicily kicked 1.7 goals over a seven-game period between Rounds 4 and 11 to prove as one of the most potent options as the Hawks began to get their season back on track.
But after failing to hit the scoreboard against Gold Coast in Round 12, coach Alastair Clarkson decided on a change of scenery for Sicily as the second half of the season began.
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Speaking after the Round 14 win over Adelaide, Clarkson was highly complementary of the young defensive nucleus that the Hawks are building with the likes of Sicily, Ryan Burton, Blake Hardwick and Daniel Howe.
“The exciting thing is the next generation are coming through for us,” Clarkson.
“And while there’s going to be some ups and downs, we all saw that they’re on track, those boys”.
This Saturday night the Hawks travel west to face a tough test against Fremantle, a side Sicily averages more disposals against than any other team in the competition.
Sicily will be look to continue his sparkling form as the Hawks look to claim another scalp away from home.
