In a historic move for the brown and gold, star Hawthorn midfielder Jai Newcombe will join James Sicily as co-captain for the 2026 season. 

It is the first time in the Club’s history that two players will jointly lead the team. 

Following a robust internal process that included extensive consultation, it was determined that the co-captain approach presented the best model for the Club moving forward. 

It was determined that the co-captain model would leverage both Sicily and Newcombe’s complementary strengths to support each other across the many and growing roles and responsibilities that a club captain has.

It provides an opportunity for Sicily and Newcombe to share those responsibilities while also providing a stronger pathway longer term for the Club’s leadership. 

While Sicily enters his fourth season as captain, Newcombe has been elevated to the coveted leadership position for the first time at just 24 years of age, highlighting his clear leadership capabilities and his rapid rise as one of the competition’s premier midfielders. 

Since being drafted with Pick 2 in the 2021 Mid-Season Draft, the Poowong product has notched up 102 career games, including a current run of 52 consecutive matches.

Just one year after making his debut for the Club, the star midfielder went on to finish second in Hawthorn’s Peter Crimmins Medal count in back-to-back seasons before claiming the top prize in 2024. 

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Hawthorn CEO Ash Klein said:

“This is a significant day for the Club, Jai and for James. Both men have been clear leaders within our Club and we feel this is an opportunity for both of them to take our Club forward as we set our sights on the 2026 season.

“James has done an exceptional job over the past few years. This co-captaincy model allows Jai to hone his own leadership skills as the club captain alongside James.

“Jai’s development both on and off the field has been incredibly impressive to watch over the past few years.”

Hawthorn Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said:

“James has been, and continues to be, an integral leader of the Club. After undertaking an internal process, we believe the co-captain model will deliver the best result for our group in the long term, as well as leverage the complementary strengths of two distinct leaders to cover the vast responsibilities required of a modern AFL captain.

“Jai emerged as the clear candidate to step into the captaincy role alongside James. He leads by example, performs with elite consistency week-to-week, and has proven his ability to raise the bar on the biggest stages.”

Hawthorn Co-Captain James Sicily said:

“It is an honour to continue to lead this Club as captain, alongside one of my great mates in Jai.

“Being co-captains allows us to share the load and give greater opportunity for Jai to lead the club.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Jai’s development as a leader since he joined the club, and we are both extremely passionate about the direction we are headed as we strive for the ultimate success.”

Hawthorn Co-Captain Jai Newcombe said: 

“I am incredibly humbled and privileged to be appointed as co-captain of Hawthorn alongside James, who has been a great mentor to me since I joined the club.”

“Being a Hawks supporter my whole life, it has always been a dream of mine to lead the club, and I am committed to getting the best out of myself and my teammates as we continue to hunt the club’s next premiership."