Newly appointed Hawthorn Co-Captain Jai Newcombe has named his Dad as one of the biggest influences behind his rapid rise from Hawks fan to mid-season draftee to Club co-captain. 

The Club announced on Thursday that Newcombe would jointly lead the Club alongside James Sicily in 2026 - the first time Hawthorn has appointed co-captains in its long and storied history. 

Speaking to SEN Mornings, the 24-year-old opened up on how he reacted to the news, his family connection to Hawthorn and how he thinks the new role will work leading into this season. 

We summarised the key points from Newcombe’s interview below. 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO JAI NEWCOMBE’S FULL INTERVIEW 

On how he reacted when he was told the news 

“When I was asked and when it was sort of posed to me that it might be something that may happen this year, I was sort of taken aback a little bit. In terms of my personal leadership journey, it wasn’t necessarily something I was chasing and had marked that I wanted to really tick off as a player but I’m more than comfortable within myself and my game and my leadership skills to take on the role and join Sis in leading the club, but it was definitely a surprise in the early days.” 

On his leadership style 

“My style as a player and around the club is definitely very action-first. I’ll sort of lead the way with my actions and how I go about it and sort of make it really easy for others to follow and show what we accept. I think I’m someone that’s very easy to follow in my actions. I wouldn’t say I put a foot wrong very often, so I’m very consistent in the way I go about things.” 

On some of his biggest influences

“There’s definitely been a few over the journey, no doubt. In terms of across my life, my Dad’s been massive in shaping that in terms of what I accept for myself, which then allows me to continually push myself to be better and what I will allow others to get away with, in a sense, and making sure that they’re not taking short steps and shortcuts and are committed to making themselves better. He was very big on that, especially through my junior sporting career. The constructive criticism as a kid was big in me developing into the person that I am now. So once I got to the Club, I think definitely early days at Box Hill and right when I first arrived at Hawthorn, it was Sam (Mitchell) and Andy Collins and then understanding the history and importance of being a Hawthorn football player and what that means. They were massive in terms of inducting me into those things and showing me the way there and being a massive help for me. As a Hawthorn fan, I’ve seen a lot of success here at the club and there’s been a lot of impactful people along the journey, so it’s a nice feeling to be able to say I’m one of those now.”

On how his parents reacted to the news 

“I told Dad and Mum over dinner. I went back to Poowong just around the kitchen table to share the news. We were sitting there, and I told Dad the news, and he sort of sat back in his chair with a massive smile on his face. It sort of took him a few seconds to come to terms with what I had just said. Mum was clapping her hands and was filled with excitement straight away. There was the big handshake, as you do with the old man more often than not, you know, congratulations, well done, and I’m super proud of you. Both of them have obviously been pivotal in shaping me as the person to be in this position.” 

On co-captaining with James Sicily 

“I think we’re going to round each other off very nicely. He sees the game really well, unpacks trends, and sees important areas of the game very clearly, which is amazing to have. From the professionalism side, that’s a strength of mine and being someone that can set the standard for us and for others to follow and lead the way. He’s been huge for us as a Club over the last three years and taking the role. He’s been the main driver of us progressing the way we have, and I’m very lucky to now be standing alongside him in the role.”

On the Club moving to a co-captaincy model 

“It’s the first time the Club’s ever done it, so it makes it even more special that we’re setting new trends in a way. Hopefully, we’re part of the next wave of success here at the Hawthorn footy club, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.” 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO JAI NEWCOMBE’S FULL INTERVIEW