Key stats:

AFL games: 19

Disposals per game: 26.4

Marks per game: 9.9

Intercept possessions per game: 9.4

Season summary:

Sicily backed up his best and fairest form in 2022 with another outstanding season this year. Aside from his impressive on-field performances, Sicily’s leadership also came to the fore in his first year as skipper. The 28-year-old led the AFL in average marks (9.9 per game) and his 26.4 disposals per game was both a career-best and team-high. Arguably the AFL’s leading elite intercept and rebounding defender, Sicily was rewarded for his impressive 2023 campaign by earning his maiden All Australian honour.

Best AFL game:

While the skipper produced serval striking displays in 2023, it’s hard to look past his monster performance in Round 11 against St Kilda. In one of the most dominant displays from a defender in recent memory, Sicily racked up a career-best 43 disposals, which included 21 intercept possessions and 17 contested possessions. The 28-year-old was everywhere, also putting up 11 score involvements to go with 628 metres gained.

How the coaches saw him:

“I think Sis solidified himself as the best intercept defender in the game – he was recognised in the All Australian team for his first time. He played 19 games this season, and the opposition regularly had to send someone to him or try and shut him down, but to his credit he was still able to have an impact. When he played well, we were always a chance of winning. There were a few games this year where he produced some of the best individual performances I’ve ever witnessed. The St Kilda game (43 disposals), the Collingwood game (37 disposals), the Brisbane game (32 disposals) to name a few. He had a really, really impressive season. Also being in his first year as captain as well, to still be able to perform under the pressures of being captain is a real credit to himself.” – Kade Simpson