James Sicily has been ruled out of Hawthorn's clash with Geelong this Saturday at GMHBA Stadium, per AFL reporter Josh Gabelich, with the skipper failing to overcome the shoulder injury suffered in Sunday's away belting of West Coast.
The injury leaves the Hawks depleted in defence, with pressure rising on Jack Scrimshaw and Sam Frost to carry the load while Josh Weddle potentially takes the Sicily role.
While Tom Hawkins won't be there with his own injury, the Cats forward set up is clearly bolstered by Sicily's absence; forwards Jeremy Cameron, Gary Rohan, Shannon Neale and Mitch Knevitt looking to take advantage of the Hawks diminished intercept and rebounding ability.
James Sicily won’t face Geelong on Saturday. Mitch Lewis to return for first time since Easter Monday. Jack Ginnivan to be named tonight but will need to prove fitness tomorrow @AFLcomau
— Josh Gabelich (@JoshGabelich) July 4, 2024
On a positive note, high quality key forward Mitch Lewis will finally make his AFL return from a knee injury which has kept him out since the last time these two met on Easter Monday.
Lewis had hoped to make a comeback weeks ago, but was routinely halted by further soreness which delayed his recovery.
His addition nearly compensates the loss of Sicily, providing an established high quality target inside 50 and allowing Mabior Chol to potentially thrive as second fiddle.
We wait for an update on the selection and positional status of Jack Gunston, Calsher Dear and Blake Hardwick amid the loss of Sicily and return of Lewis, but changes or axings are sure to be made.
Forward recruit Jack Ginnivan will be named at the selection table, but not with certainty as the 21-year-old battles a lower leg concern that he will need to prove his fitness over in a test tomorrow.
His potential absence may prove to be another critical blow for the Hawks as they seek to upset the Cats en route to an unlikely finals berth.
