Hawks complete intraclub clash as star defender James Sicily comes to terms with new AFL rules

Hawthorn defender James Sicily says the AFL’s new 6-6-6 rule is going to take some getting used to after an intraclub match where a pair of Hawk hopefuls were watched by injured Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell.

James Sicily impressed for the Hawks, taking on recruit Darren Minchington in this competitive image. Picture: Getty Images

Hawthorn defender James Sicily says the AFL’s new 6-6-6 rule is going to take some getting used to, with his role likely to “change a little bit”.

The Hawks got a good taste of the new rule during an intra-club practice match at Waverley Park yesterday which was officiated by a team of AFL umpires.

One of nine rule changes this year, the 6-6-6 rule will force clubs to have six players inside each 50m arc and six in the traditional midfield starting positions at each centre bounce.

While the practice match was largely bruise-free, there was plenty of space available on the wings and decisive centre-bounce clearances were rewarded with one-on-ones in attack.

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James Sicily impressed for the Hawks, taking on recruit Darren Minchington in this competitive image. Picture: Getty Images

“It was actually a bit hard to defend because there was so much space,” Sicily told the Herald Sun.

“We’re going to have to figure out ways where we can still execute our team defence because we are so spread out. But we’ll keep working on it and have a look at vision and see ways that we can use it to our advantage.

“It (my role) is going to change a little bit so we’ll just have to adapt to it.”

James Worpel looks set to take a big step in 2019. Picture: Getty Images

The Hawks got through the match unscathed, pleasing given the star-power that was already sidelined.

Reigning Brownlow medalist Tom Mitchell (broken leg) and key recruits Chad Wingard (calf) and Tom Scully (ankle) watched on from the sidelines, while Grant Birchall (knee) and Conor Glass (calf) were other notable absentees.

Towering 208cm big man Ned Reeves — the son of Hawthorn CEO Justin — spent time in the ruck and forward as he continues to push for a spot on the Hawks’ list through the AFL’s pre-season supplemental selection period.

Ned Reeves stepped out for the Hawks in a bid to win a spot on the list. Picture: Mark Dadswell

An imposing physical figure, Reeves impressed at amateur level with St Kevin’s last year and was invited to train with Hawthorn when the club returned from its Christmas break last month.

Luke Meadows, a former West Perth midfielder in the WAFL who has signed with Box Hill, put his running ability on show as another player searching to be listed through the AFL’s pre-season supplemental selection period.

Sicily, Luke Breust, Harry Morrison and James Worpel all performed well.

James Cousins spent time in the middle, the 20-year-old who played four games last year shaping as a potential replacement for Mitchell in the midfield this year.

Midfielder Jaeger O’Meara looked untroubled but was managed with limited game time along with swingman Jack Gunston.

Port Adelaide recruit Wingard has been pulled from next week’s AFLX tournament but the Hawks have insisted the injury is not a concern looking towards Round 1.

“He’s taken a little bit longer than what we would have expected with a really minor calf issue that he had,” football boss Graham Wright said this week.

“We’re just going to be really cautious with him.”

Scully has increased his running intensity in recent weeks as he continues his recovery from a serious ankle injury, while Mitchell is unlikely to play this year but is walking unassisted just a month on from surgery on a broken leg.

Hawthorn faces Brisbane in its first pre-season match at Moreton Bay on March 3.

Silk Burgoyne at yet another Hawks’ preseason hitout. Picture: Getty Images

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Originally published as Hawks complete intraclub clash as star defender James Sicily comes to terms with new AFL rules