Sicily, Gunston impress as Hawthorn young gun signs on

Hawthorn’s hopes of delivering coach Sam Mitchell a strong debut season have lifted after Jack Gunston, James Sicily, Mitch Lewis and a top draftee were among those to impress in an intra-club match at Waverley on Tuesday.

Sicily has not played a senior match since round 12, 2020 because of a knee reconstruction while Gunston managed only one match last season, but both are keen to play key roles under Mitchell and a new-look assistant coaching panel.

James Sicily has been sorely missed by the Hawthorn defence.Credit:AFL Photos

Gunston, having overcome back issues which led to surgery, spent the morning up forward where he has made a name for himself as one of the league’s premier sharpshooters.

He worked well alongside Dylan Moore (27 goals last season) and Lewis, who is preparing for his sixth season and has declared he needs to improve. Lewis booted eight goals, leading and marking well, and wants to be a key figure inside attacking 50, having contributed 22 goals in 14 matches last year.

“I feel like I’ve underperformed, especially last year and the year before, so I’m looking forward to having a big 2022 season,” Lewis said last month.

“Hopefully, our style of ball movement and game plan can help the forwards have a strong season.”

Moore booted five goals and appears set for another strong season. Sicily is central to the Hawks’ defensive plans, where his athleticism and drive are crucial.

Josh Ward, the Hawks’ top draftee of 2021 and No.7 overall, began at the centre bounce and wowed onlookers with his dash and ball use. Ward has long been a major accumulator and his aerobic capacity was on show in the heat.

Fellow draftee and midfielder Connor Macdonald (pick 26) was also busy in the contest.

Reappointed captain Ben McEvoy was also used up forward, allowing Ned Reeves and recruit Max Lynch to be used in the ruck. Lynch, the former Magpie, was signed on the final day of last year’s trade period.

However, young defender Will Day did not take to the field and continues to be managed through the summer. He missed 17 matches because of an ankle injury last year but averaged 19.8 disposals, 13 uncontested possessions and five marks when on the field. He averaged seven intercept possessions – the second-most of any non-key defender in the competition behind Tom Stewart.

The Hawks finished 14th with seven wins last season in what was Alastair Clarkson’s final campaign and now face a major fight to return to the finals.

“Obviously, it’s very different. ‘Clarko’ spent a hell of a lot of time at the club over the journey … but it’s a very exciting time at the club,” Lewis said.

“Everyone is very optimistic about the season ahead – he [Mitchell] has set out a really strong game plan that we can all follow.”

That game plan will become clearer when the Hawks and Magpies clash in a practice match at Morwell on February 25, and face the Tigers in north-west Tasmania on March 5.

Young defender Jack Scrimshaw has joined Denver Grainger-Barras in earning two-year contract extension. Scrimshaw played 20 senior matches last season, averaging 20.6 disposals and 6.4 marks per game.

“He earned our most improved player award in 2020, before taking his progression to the next level in 2021,” list manager Mark McKenzie said.

“Last year we saw ‘Scrim’ take on greater responsibility, elevating himself as a key utility who is capable of being a damaging defender yet also having the ability to move up the ground and impact.”

AFL PRACTICE MATCHES

Wednesday, February 23: Essendon v W Bulldogs, The Hangar, 3pm

Thursday, February 24: Carlton v St Kilda, Ikon Park, 10am; Melbourne v Nth Melbourne, Casey Fields, 11am

Friday, February 25: Brisbane Lions v Adelaide, Metricon Stadium, 11am; Gold Coast v Port Adelaide, Metricon Stadium, 3pm; Collingwood v Hawthorn, Morwell Rec Reserve, 4pm; Sydney v GWS, Lavington Sports Ground, 6pm; West Coast v Fremantle, Optus Stadium, 7.40pm.

Saturday, February 26: Geelong v Richmond, GMHBA Stadium, 1pm

(All AEDT)

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