Hawthorn captain James Sicily will be a delayed inclusion to Hawthorn's full preseason training program as he recovers from shoulder surgery he underwent after the club's semi-final loss to Port Adelaide, which ended their season.

Sicily carried a crook shoulder for most of the 2024 season, suffering an initial dislocation in round eight against Hawthorn, when he was thrown forward and led the Hawks to a stunning win.

He dislocated his shoulder again in round 16 against West Coast, having opted to hold off surgery until the end of the season, missing just three games of footy overall this year under considerable duress.

It was a worthwhile venture, with the skipper playing a critical part on Hawthorn's unlikely September run, but he now faces a somewhat interrupted build into 2025.

The All-Australian defender averaged 21.5 disposals and 7.6 marks with nine goals kicked when thrown forward at times, impressive numbers given the burden of carrying a significant injury.

James Sicily during the AFL match between Hawthorn and St Kilda in Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

The club expect him to gradually develop his training and reach full capacity after Christmas, being set to begin their pre-season November 25.

Having previous experience with injury concerns, Sicily and the club will hope the skipper is not hampered as he enters the 2025 home & away season, as the club look to go better in 2025 under the continued growth of their mastermind coach Sam Mitchell.

Fellow star Will Day is also set for a delayed preseason after he also underwent surgery on his shoulder.

The hope for Day is that he hits capacity for full training during the first half of pre-season, though the club will be sure to take caution given his growing propensity for long-term concerns.

Will Day's collarbone injury could have caused severe complications, with the risk of it pressing into his windpipe and major blood vessels had he played in Hawthorn's finals.

The 23-year-old sustained the injury in Round 23, and further impact could have led to serious health risks. Despite his desire to play, Hawthorn's medical team ruled him out to prevent further damage.

Day underwent surgery and shared that the injury was more complex than initially thought.