Hawthorn captain James Sicily is relieved he was able to have an impact in his side’s 87-74 win over Fremantle in Launceston on Sunday after a rough start down back.
The key defender is dealing with a shoulder injury that limited his ability to defend, but when he was thrown forward late he impacted hugely, kicking three goals as the Hawks came from behind to beat the Dockers.
With the Hawks sitting 13th on the ladder and having won six of their last seven games, Sicily knows that there is an expectation to perform when he gets on the field, especially as skipper.
He admits coach Sam Mitchell was right in swinging him from defence to attack.
“It was probably a nice way to say I was doing bugger all, but I’m really happy he (Mitchell) made the call for me to go forward because I was probably lacking a little bit of confidence and a bit indecisive in the contest and competing and being physical,” Sicily said on SEN Breakfast.
“I did say I was a liability – it was probably a little harsh on myself, I missed a few tackles I would usually stick, but I felt relieved that I could contribute in the last half of the game on the back of the midfielders getting on top in the last quarter.”
Despite working through his shoulder injury and the rush of nerves and excitement that comes with the thought of a September berth, Sicily is hoping his shoulder holds up for the remainder of the season.
“There’s probably some contests I might pull out of just because of the shoulder – which may look bad on my behalf – but in terms of pain it’s not too bad,” Sicily said.
“It’s a bit of a confidence thing. I found my groove after I dislocated it the first time three to four weeks later and had full confidence that I had strength back into it. The swelling had gone away, it was just feeling like I could compete physically again.
“There’s not much holding it in place at the moment other than a bit of tape … everyone in the comp is managing niggles, it’s all part of footy, playing sore, but once you’re out there there are no excuses.
“Hopefully it stays in for the rest of the year.”
With a confident coach in Mitchell backing young Hawks talent, Sicily is eager to see his side thrive with big games ahead in the weeks to come – including against reigning premier Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.
“The young fellas are full of exuberance and want to play in games that matter in front of big crowds,” Sicily said.
“We’re really looking forward to this week’s game. They all feel like Elimination Finals from this week in with the ladder being so close.
“I can’t wait to get out there in front of what could be 80,000 at the MCG. Hopefully, we can back it up again this week.”
Hawthorn in 13th on 36 points face Collingwood in 12th on the same points at the MCG on Saturday from 4:35pm (AEST).
It is a genuine eight-point contest with the winner to move within touching distance of the top eight and the loser likely to fall two games behind.
Beyond the meeting with the Magpies, the Hawks take on Adelaide (14th) away, GWS (7th) in Canberra, Carlton (2nd) at the MCG, Richmond (18th) at the MCG and North Melbourne (17th) in Launceston.