Hawk James Sicily is set to sit the next 12 months on the sidelines after scans confirmed the defender ruptured his ACL against West Coast on Sunday night. 

Sicily was helped from the field after a collision in the final moments of the side’s Round 12 loss. 

The 25-year-old was amidst arguably the best season of his career, cementing a reputation as one of the competition’s premier defenders. 

GM - Football Graham Wright said the club was shattered to hear the news for the popular clubman. 

“This is obviously devastating for Sis, his teammates and the wider Hawthorn family,” Wright said. 

“He has developed into a leader both on and off field over the last few years, and was having an excellent year personally this season. 

“He is a man of great resilience though and we have full faith he will be diligent in his recovery over the next 12 months.”

Sicily has now played 93 games for the Hawks over seven seasons at the club.

Read: Round 12 match report