The stats

AFL games: 16

Disposals per game: 23.3

Marks: 7.1

Kicks: 16.5

Tackles: 1.6

Total goals: 6

Read: CJ's season snapshot 

Review

James Sicily emerged as one of the leading defenders of the competition in 2018, thriving with his ability to intercept opposition ball movement and use the ball with precision.

Had it not been for a late-season wrist injury which sidelined the 23-year-old for the final six games of the home and away season, Sicily may well have been considered for a maiden All Australian berth.

The numbers would certainly back up this claim: the backman was the only player in the league to average over 23 possessions and over 80 per cent disposal efficiency.

He also averaged the most marks of any Hawk this year and ranked 12th league-wide in the statistic.

Only winner Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara averaged more votes per game in the Peter Crimmins Medal count, highlighting the high regard to which Sicily is held within the four walls of the Hawthorn Football Club.