Suspended Hawk Sicily set for stint in coaches’ box

Anna Harrington | June 22, 2023

Captain James Sicily will spend Hawthorn’s next three AFL games in the coaches’ box as the Hawks try to make the most of his time while suspended.

Sicily will miss matches against Gold Coast, Carlton and GWS after the AFL appeals board upheld his ban for a dangerous tackle that concussed Brisbane winger Hugh McCluggage.

But the star defender won’t be enjoying a mid-season getaway.

Coach Sam Mitchell noted the 28-year-old had previously sat out all of 2021 with an ACL tear and said he would once again use his time out to improve.

“I think he’d like to go to the Ashes or go overseas,” Mitchell said with a laugh.

“But ‘Sis’ has missed a whole season of footy and while we’re disappointed that he’s missing at the moment, he knows it and he’s been in this position before where he’s had to try to find a way to get better that’s off the field.

“So he’s going to come up and will sit in the coaches box and will help us with a few things in the background. 

“His leadership’s still going to be important and he’s going to do everything he can to get better while he’s not playing.

“He’ll be part of the program and the boys are all into him saying he’s got a little mini pre-season ahead of him. 

“He’s still a bit grumpy about that so maybe stay away from that topic for another week with him but after that he’s going to be training a fair bit harder than everyone else.”

Mitchell noted all players had been forced to address their tackling technique this season and said Sicily’s suspension would not affect how his players were instructed to tackle.

“We appealed the decision so we were obviously unhappy with it but we understand what the AFL’s trying to do and we respect that,” he said.

“But that tackle is not something you could do differently next time in our view.

“Our players are very clear that we’re not trying to hurt people when we tackle.

“Now unfortunately people will get hurt in tackles again this season and the rules that are in place at the moment says that’s going to leave you in a bit of trouble – but there are some uncontrollable tackles where we’re not going to have any influence and accidents happen on the football field.

“Our players are pretty clear on what’s okay and what’s not and there is a bit of luck involved at the moment.”

Key back Sam Frost will return from a foot injury to replace Sicily but Changkuoth Jiath (calf) won’t play in Sunday’s away clash with the Suns.