Hawthorn skipper James Sicily sidelined and all the latest AFL injury news

After several reports he has been playing under an injury cloud, Hawthorn skipper James Sicily has been ruled out of his side’s season-shaping fortnight. Plus, a Magpie has his own injury issue.

Hawthorn captain James Sicily is set to miss his side’s season-shaping fortnight with a hip-abdominal injury.

The Hawks have lost three games in a row and will now face Western Bulldogs and Adelaide without their All-Australian star.

The injury setback follows several reports Sicily has been playing under an injury cloud.

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell last week fended off questions about Sicily’s fitness, particularly his groin.

James Sicily has been sidelined by injury. Picture: Michael Klein

Club doctor Liam West said the injury had pulled a planned rest for Sicily ahead of schedule.

“Unfortunately, James’ injury has flared up post the Collingwood game on Friday night after showing improvement in the weeks prior,” West said.

“Having played every game this season, we were always looking to give James an extended break around the bye, so we’ve decided to bring this forward.”

Mitchell launched a strong defence of his captain, labelling the reports of a sore groin “a storm in a teacup”.

“His groins are fine, he’s playing every week, there’s no reason that his kicking has anything to do with his groins, his groins are fine,” Mitchell said.

“He kicked the ball reasonably well last week I thought. Go watch all of his kicks and tell me which ones you could do better. Bring them back, show me some vision.

“I am very happy with his kicking. I could get you all the kicks he’s done that hardly anyone in the competition could pull off he’s done in the last month.

“The kicking, that is a storm in a teacup.”

PIES FORWARD FACES LONGER STINT ON SIDELINES

Luckless Collingwood forward Lachie Schultz could miss up to six weeks as the Magpies carefully manage a recurrence of the hamstring strain he suffered in April.

Schultz, who was returning from a concussion he sustained in controversial circumstances against Fremantle three weeks earlier, reinjured his right hamstring on Friday night against Hawthorn.

Collingwood fitness boss Jarrod Wade said the latest strain was “moderate grade” but would require a significant period of rehab.

“Schultz has commenced a rehab program and is expected to return to full fitness in five to six weeks,” Wade said.

Collingwood forward Lachie Schultz could spend up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a second tear to his right hamstring this season against Hawthorn. Picture: Michael Klein

The time frame leaves significant doubt over Schultz’s availability to face Carlton in round 17’s Friday night blockbuster, as well as the subsequent away clash against Gold Coast.

But the Magpies could regain Dan McStay for the King’s Birthday game after he returned to full training following his medial ligament injury, while Brayden Maynard (plantar fascia) should begin full training after their round 14 bye.

Jordan De Goey is into a two-week running program as he tries to mount a return from a persistent achilles issue, with no update on a return to play timeline yet.

Originally published as Hawthorn skipper James Sicily sidelined and all the latest AFL injury news