Sicily’s imminent return has Shiels and the Hawks buzzing
A REFRESHED Liam Shiels says he is excited about the return of star defender James Sicily as Hawthorn plots the demise of Richmond in Thursday night’s qualifying final.
Sicily was in All-Australian form before he broke his wrist against Brisbane Lions in Round 17. The gun interceptor has been passed fit..
“It’s exciting. He’s obviously a great player and does a lot of good work for us down back,” co-vice captain Shiels said.
“He’s available to play, so I’ll leave that up to Clarko (coach Alastair Clarkson) and hopefully he’s out there on Thursday night.” Hawthorn will also recall James Frawley (back), who is set to have the unenviable task of containing star Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt, while Jonathon Ceglar could join Ben McEvoy in the side, giving the Hawks a twin ruck set-up to throw at one-out Tiger Toby Nankervis. Shiels said there was excitement among the Hawks.
“Guys like Shaun Burgoyne, Poppy (Paul Puopolo), Chip (Frawley), we’ve got a number of players that have played finals that aren’t in the leadership group, so just trying to pass on that experience to the younger guys,” he said. “We’re just telling them to embrace the week as much as possible, don’t play the game in your head before Thursday night.’’
Shiels said the week off had helped him recuperate.
“My body was a little bit sore, but (I’ve) come back really refreshed,’’ he said.