IT’S a new year and we’re pretty excited about the challenges that lie ahead for the team in 2016.
There’s sure to be plenty of talented young Hawks vying for senior berths over the next couple of months of pre-season training and NAB Challenge matches.
We’ve taken a look at 10 second-to-sixth year players who will be hoping they can push their names into the frame for regular senior selection this year.
Name: James Sicily
Age: 21
Guernsey: 21
Height: 186cm
Weight: 79 kg
Games (2015): 3
Games (career): 3
Drafted: Pick no. 56, 2013 NAB AFL Draft
Building on his AFL debut last year will be James Sicily’s target in 2016.
The exciting forward showed plenty of promise at both VFL and AFL level and will be hoping to push for more senior opportunity this year.
According to the 2015 AFL Season Guide…
A high half-forward with great hands and a penchant for the spectacular, Sicily showed a bit in his first season with on the Hawthorn list, with 20 goals in 18 games for Box Hill.
Has a bit of flair about him as well and will become an immediate fan favourite when he gets his first game for the Hawks.
In 2015…
Sicily managed to break through for his debut as a late inclusion in the Round 2 side, before returning again to AFL level in Rounds 22 and 23.
His work with Box Hill was very impressive for a second year player, kicking 30 goals for the season, including a haul of eight and two bags of five.
In his three AFL matches he managed four goals, showing some promising signs as a mobile forward option.
Where would he slot in?
Matt Suckling’s departure to the Western Bulldogs could be James Sicily’s gain.
Suckling settled more up forward in the latter part of the season – and goalkicker Sicily will be one of a number of players hoping to stake a claim for that spot before the start of the season.
But he’ll continue to face tough competition to break into a side that already boasts the likes of Breust, Puopolo and Rioli in the forward half.
Pre-season update…
Sicily has been back at training since late November, when he kicked off preparation for 2016 with the club’s first to fourth year players.
He’s already set himself the goal of playing more games and hopes a big pre-season will set up his year.
