Hawthorn Captain James Sicily is set to suit up for his 200th AFL match under Saturday night lights when the Hawks host Collingwood in an MCG blockbuster.
Drafted out of Keilor with the 56th pick in the 2013 National Draft, Sicily had to wait until Round 2 in 2015 to make his league debut, starting as the sub against Essendon.
Sicily fittingly replaced James Frawley that day. And although the Western Jets product started his journey as a forward, fate dictated that he too would become a star Hawthorn defender—just like the teammate he took over from.
In 2016, Sicily earned a Rising Star nomination for kicking a career-high five goals in Round 13.
It was 2017 when the talented youngster was shifted to the backline, and after two years plying his trade in the new position, he was named in the All-Australian squad for the first time.
After dealing with multiple injury setbacks, Sicily was dealt his biggest hurdle yet when he sustained an ACL injury during the COVID-stricken season of 2020, consequently missing the entire 2021 campaign.
Following his recovery, Sicily seamlessly returned to form and had an outstanding 2022 season, culminating in winning his first Peter Crimmins Medal and being named in the All Australian squad of 40 for the second time.
Ahead of the 2023 season, the classy defender was appointed the 38th Captain of Hawthorn, replacing retired ruckman Ben McEvoy.
Hear from James Sicily and Jai Newcombe, our co-captains 🧑✈️👨✈️ pic.twitter.com/lPfOWNOeE0
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) January 22, 2026
Captaincy seemed to suit Sicily straight away, with the defender breaking through for a career-high 43 disposals in Round 11 of that season.
He would go on to end the year as an All-Australian, being named in the team for the first time.
Sicily’s fourth All-Australian squad selection came the following year, leading the Hawks to an audacious finals campaign that will sit long in the memory of Hawthorn hearts.
The Hawks skipper’s courage was also on show that year, undergoing a right shoulder reconstruction before surgery on his other shoulder at the end of 2025.
This year, now captaining the club alongside Jai Newcombe, Sicily is averaging 21.4 disposals, 7.2 marks (ranked elite for his position) and 2.3 intercept marks (ranked above average for his position).
Speaking ahead of his milestone match, Sicily said:
"I'm excited and looking forward to it," he told SEN"s The Run Home.
"It will be a great atmosphere coming up against Collingwood."
