Fiery Hawk James Sicily learning to curb his anger

IN-FORM Hawthorn defender James Sicily believes he has struck a balance between the aggression that often straddles the line with being smart enough to stay out of trouble.

Hawks defender James Sicily drives the ball forward. Picture: AAP

HAWTHORN defender James Sicily believes he has struck a balance between being aggressive and staying out of trouble — creating a synergy that has pushed him into All-Australian contention.

Importantly, that has also meant he is getting less verbal attention from opponents.

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Fresh off a three-goal third quarter against Adelaide last weekend that saw him earn the maximum AFL Coaches’ Association votes, Sicily says he has made a conscious effort to avoid the “silly stuff” that has cost him time on the sidelines.

“I only cop it from the opposition if I try to bring it on myself,” Sicily said.

“I have just been going out and playing; it’s all about finding a balance.”

Sicily has drawn comparisons with Hawthorn greats Dermott Brereton and Peter Knights for his ability to affect a game, as was the case against the hapless Crows.

James Sicily celebrates a goal against the Crows last week. Picture: AAP

The 23-year-old had his share of troubles earlier this year, copping a one-game ban in Round 3 for dropping a knee into Geelong’s Joel Selwood, then spending another week out after a Round 5 incident when he stomped on Kangaroo Shaun Atley.

“I don’t want to be missing games over the silly stuff; I want to be out there playing with the boys,” he said.

Sicily moved to defence in the latter half of the 2017 season and produced his best football, and he has further elevated his play this year.

But he doesn’t mind pushing forward.

“It is pretty rare to kick goals as a defender so when you get the chance you are always going to take it,” he said.

He won’t get the job on Gold Coast’s Tom Lynch in Launceston — “I don’t get the big dogs” — happy to help James Frawley contain the free-agent forward.

“When Tom Lynch is up and firing, Gold Coast is a very good, but we owe them one from last year when they beat us twice,” he said.

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