Hawthorn captain James Sicily has reflected on the transformation and "self-discovery" that has seen him rise to the top echelon of the AFL.
Set to play game 150 in the brown and gold over a decade on from joining the club, the once "hot-headed" swingman has overcome an ACL injury and questions over his discipline to be close to leading the Hawks back into September.
Having started his career as a forward under Alastair Clarkson - debuting in the club's eventual premiership campaign of 2015 - the 29-year-old has developed into one of the best intercept defenders in the competition.
But arguably the biggest transformation across Sicily's 149 matches for Hawthorn is his maturity, having grown from a feisty young forward to the captain and quarterback of Hawthorn's last line.
"Probably the way I'm perceived," Sicily told the media of what he believes has changed most throughout his career.
"At the start of my career, it was warranted. I was hot-headed and probably not as disciplined. As I've gotten older, been around some good people at the club and had some good support around me I've been able to grow into a leader of the club. It's not something I anticipated at the start of my career.
"My wife has probably played a big part in that, also the footy club and even myself. I did a pretty intimate course a few years ago around what you are the way you are.
"A bit of self-discovery has played a part also."
Sicily's versatility has come in handy for Sam Mitchell this season, with the Hawks coach utilising his skipper as a forward target in the wake of his latest shoulder injury.
After dislocating his shoulder in Round 16, Sicily was hampered by the ailment in his return outing a fortnight after against Fremantle.
Sicily was moved forward to have a greater impact on the contest, with the athletic star booting three goals to help win the game for the Hawks.
While not yet at 100%, Sicily is getting closer to full fitness and has been able to rely on his teammates in defence to help steer the ship in the backline should he be required further up the field.
"The body is hanging on," Sicily said.
"I get managed through the week but once you cross the white line there's no excuses and the expectation is to perform.
"There's some conservative stuff I'm doing out on the ground to protect myself, and sometimes that might make me look like a dill or not as strong as I need to be at some contests.
"But until I can get a little bit more strength in my shoulder then I'll get a bit more confidence out of that. I'm not in any pain when I go out in the field or anything like that.
"To be able to go forward if things aren't going well for me down back, or if I'm a liability like I was against Freo then having the option to change role is good."
A win over Adelaide in Sicily's milestone match could see the Hawks sit in the top eight for the first time this year, with a leap up the ladder potentially as high as sixth spot by the end of Round 20.
