Hawthorn Co-Captains Newcombe and Sicily Set to Play Despite Fitness Concerns

Key facts

• Hawthorn co-captains Jai Newcombe and James Sicily participated in captain's run.
• Newcombe dealt with general soreness; Sicily had an ankle issue.
• Both players were named in the side to face Fremantle.
• Newcombe undertook sprints and centre clearance drills.
• Sicily joined forwards for goal-kicking practice.
• Hawthorn's midfield coach David Mackay confirmed both players were 'fine'.
• Forward Calsher Dear will miss the match due to an adductor strain.

Captains Ready for Dockers Clash

Hawthorn's co-captains, Jai Newcombe and James Sicily, appear set to feature in the team's upcoming match against Fremantle. Both players were observed participating in the side's captain's run at Optus Stadium, a crucial session held to ensure readiness for the significant contest. Their presence on the field, following some uncertainty around their fitness, offers a boost to the Hawks as they prepare to face one of the league's top teams. The team is travelling to Perth two days prior to the Thursday night fixture, a strategy aimed at allowing players optimal acclimatisation. This pre-game preparation is particularly important for Newcombe and Sicily, who have been managing respective fitness concerns. The club's decision to fly into Perth on Tuesday night underscores the importance of this match and the commitment to having their key personnel available. This encounter against Fremantle, currently sitting second on the ladder, is being viewed as a significant test for Hawthorn. Coach Sam Mitchell has indicated the team is eager to measure its progress against elite competition, aiming to build on recent performances and show improvement throughout the season.

Managing Soreness and Ankle Woes

Newcombe has been dealing with general soreness, while Sicily has been managing a minor ankle issue. These concerns led to limitations in their training earlier in the week, with both players restricted during the Hawks' main session on Tuesday. Newcombe, in particular, was unable to train with the main group and was observed only performing light jogs in a one-on-one session. Despite these limitations, Newcombe has publicly downplayed the severity of his condition. He insisted he was "fine" before flying out of Melbourne and assured fans he would be "all sweet," stating he had nothing to prove fitness-wise. Sicily also offered a brief comment, suggesting the situation was either a case of quick healing or an overreaction. Hawthorn's midfield coach, David Mackay, provided reassurance regarding the co-captains' availability. He stated that both players were "fine" and would be ready to play, explaining that their reduced training load was a deliberate part of managing players through the season to ensure they reach the starting line "100 per cent ready to go."

On-Field Activity and Tactical Focus

During the captain's run, Newcombe appeared to exert himself more, engaging in sprints and participating in centre clearance drills with his fellow midfielders. This activity suggests a level of confidence in his physical readiness for the upcoming match. Sicily's participation was more focused on specific skill work. He was seen spending time with the Hawks' forwards, practicing goal-kicking rather than joining the defenders for marking drills. This arrangement allowed him to engage with a different aspect of the game during the light session. Interestingly, all three of Hawthorn's emergency players—Henry Hustwaite, Matt Hill, and Cam Nairn—also made the trip to Perth. This move does not deprive the Box Hill Hawks, the club's reserves, of players as they have a bye in the VFL this weekend.

Absent Forward and Historical Context

While the co-captains are expected to play, forward Calsher Dear will not be making the trip west. He is sidelined with an adductor strain, an injury that is hopefully only a one-week concern for the club. The match against Fremantle at Optus Stadium carries historical weight for Hawthorn. The team has not secured a victory against the Dockers at this venue since 2018, presenting a significant challenge. Coach Sam Mitchell has acknowledged the difficulty of the task, stating that the team needs to continue improving and is not yet a finished product. He sees the game as a vital opportunity to test themselves against one of the competition's best sides and assess their readiness to compete at an elite level.

Past Players and Club Connections

The captain's run session was attended by several past Hawthorn players, including Luke Hodge, who shared a moment with Sicily. Chance Bateman, who has been working with West Coast since 2018, and Xavier Ellis were also present among the group of former club figures. These appearances by club legends and former teammates underscore the strong sense of community and tradition within Hawthorn, even as the current team faces a demanding fixture away from home. The presence of these figures can offer a sense of continuity and support for the current playing group as they navigate the pressures of a high-stakes match against a formidable opponent.

The bottom line

• Hawthorn's co-captains Jai Newcombe and James Sicily are cleared to play against Fremantle.
• Newcombe managed general soreness, while Sicily dealt with an ankle issue.
• Both players took part in the captain's run at Optus Stadium.
• Forward Calsher Dear is unavailable due to an adductor strain.
• The match is a key test for Hawthorn against the second-placed Fremantle.
• Hawthorn has a poor recent record against Fremantle at Optus Stadium.