AFL games: 11

Disposals per game: 17.8

Marks: 5.6  

Kicks: 13.3  

Tackles: 0.8

Total goals: 2 

 

James Sicily was in simply scintillating form prior to his tragic knee injury in Round 12.

The 25-year-old reaffirmed himself clearly amongst the conversation of the league’s best defenders, proving a leader across the Hawks defensive line.

Of players league-wide who played at least 10 games across the home and away season, Sis ranked third for intercept possessions (7.2 per game), fifth for rebound 50s (5.4), seventh for intercept marks (2.5) and 16th for marks (5.6).

Sicily also rated 11th in the competition for metres gained, averaging 404.5m per game, with his elite long kicking invaluable to the Hawks ability to launch attacking forays from the defensive line.

But, sadly for Sicily and the wider Hawthorn community, the star defender has an extended stint on the sidelines ahead of him.

Upon scans confirming the club’s worst fears back in August, GM – Football Graham Wright took the opportunity to commend Sicily’s resilience.

“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.”

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