James Sicily is Hawthorn’s new captain, replacing Ben McEvoy after he spent two seasons at the helm.
The 28-year-old will be assisted by vice-captains Luke Breust and Dylan Moore, as the Hawks rebuild after a shaky 2022.
Sicily said he felt privileged to be given the responsibility of leading the team, after nine years in the brown and gold.
“This club has invested so much effort, love and time into me as a person first and foremost,” he said.
“It’s an enormous responsibility but I’m ready for the challenge and can’t wait to lead this group of players.”
Sam Frost, Jarman Impey and Mitch Lewis will round out a six-man leadership group this season.
CEO Justin Reeves said he was sure “these men will set the standard in 2023”.
(Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Hawthorn finished 13th on the ladder last season, with hopes a new leadership squad could give the team the boost it needs.
The side’s 2022 season was also marred with explosive allegations of racism against former coaches Alastair Clarkson, now Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan and ex-Hawks official Jason Burt.
An independent AFL investigation is ongoing.
Phil Egan, the author of Hawthorn’s cultural safety review which unveiled the racism allegations, was arrested in early February on fraud allegations.
It is alleged Egan mishandled funds during his time as manager at the Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative between 2010 and 2012, a claim he denies.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Always going to happen but I don't see it being a long term appointment. A couple o' young fellas looking to captain the Hawks in the medium term.
Brian
Guest
Finish bottom 4 for sure the only question is whether there's enough green shoots to suggest improvement in 2024 and getting some free agents or whether they are so bad that its another round of delistings and draft picks
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Tom Stewart is the obvious one. Perfect position too. Maybe Henry if you want to go with youth. Perhaps Danger in the interim to see how the likes of Henry develops. Not sure, but those are my best guess.
Windrince
Roar Rookie
Who are you thinking for our new captain Doc? Dangerfield, Stewart or someone else?
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
I do not rate this decision from the hawks. A certain level of combativeness is necessary to be captain however I think the selection of Sicily is likely to result in some friendly fire
Johnno
Roar Rookie
On another topic.....does anyone else have a problem with the AFL top 50 1-10 post. It keeps crashing on me.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
What I was thinking :laughing:
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
He'll just want to hope it's not one of those *Victorian rebuilds* like Carlton are so good at.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Hawks are an interesting one. No idea where they’ll finish, nor how Sicily will go as Captain. Good luck to him.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
It’ll be a tough gig as the Hawks go through an old fashioned rebuild by having cleared out a number of their best 22 players.