James Sicily vows to fix poor discipline following one-game ban for standing on an opponent

FIERY Hawk James Sicily conceded he must eradicate ill-discipline from his game after he was slapped with his second suspension of the season.

James Sicily conceds he needs to keep his emotions in check. Picture: Getty Images

FIERY Hawk James Sicily conceded he must eradicate ill-discipline from his game after he was slapped with his second suspension of the season.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to serious misconduct and was banned for one match after standing on the leg of North Melbourne opponent Shaun Atley in Sunday’s loss to the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium.

After considering arguing for the charge to be downgraded to the lesser charge of misconduct, Sicily eventually conceded guilt to the heavier charge.

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The visibly emotional Hawk — who appeared nervous throughout the half-hour hearing — said he is determined to learn from his actions.

“I’m a bit disappointed, partly with the result, but more disappointed in the fact that I’m here (at the tribunal) and disappointed in myself that I’ve done an undisciplined act,” Sicily said.

“It’s something that I need to get out of my game and it’s definitely something I’ll learn from — this whole experience right now.

James Sicily received a one-match ban at the tribunal. Picture: Andrew Tauber.

“I’ll definitely learn from this, but I’m more disappointed that I miss a game this week and I also missed a session with the boys (on Tuesday) which is the main session to get better.”

Sicily had already served a one-match ban for kneeing Geelong skipper Joel Selwood in Round 3.

The tribunal took just two minutes to agree to the sanction.

The AFL argued for the one-match penalty for the incident involving Atley, and said the charge of serious misconduct was appropriate given Sicily “sneaked a look at the umpire” which indicated it was a calculated act.

Atley was not injured in the incident and required no further treatment.

Hawthorn player advocate Peter O’Farrell noted that it was the first time in 48 games that Sicily had faced the tribunal, and that he acknowledged that the act was “undisciplined and unnecessary” and that “he is remorseful of his actions”.

Sicily steps on Shaun Atley.

He also stated that Sicily “had been admonished by his coach and football manager and has accepted that he is deserving of penalty”.

Sicily said coach Alastair Clarkson and football boss Graham Wright had expressed their feeling in relation to the matter.

“Like me, they were disappointed in what happened with my actions,” the defender said.

“But they’ve still got my back in a sense and they still want me to do well.”

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