Key Players Suspended for Body Blows
Hawthorn will be without two of its key players, James Sicily and Dylan Moore, next week after both received one-game suspensions for striking during the team’s recent victory over Port Adelaide. The suspensions were issued following incidents where both players delivered blows to the body of Power defender Logan Evans.
If the club does not appeal the decision, Sicily and Moore will miss the Anzac Day clash with Gold Coast. Sicily, the team’s captain, and Moore, an All-Australian forward, are crucial to Hawthorn’s lineup, and their absence could significantly impact the team’s performance.
The game between Hawthorn and Port Adelaide was a thrilling encounter held under the roof at Marvel Stadium, with the outcome remaining uncertain until the final moments. Port Adelaide’s key forward, Mitch Georgiades, had a set shot for goal that would have given his side the lead, but he missed it, resulting in a 13.11 (89) to 13.8 (86) loss.
Both Sicily and Moore were penalized for free kicks due to striking blows to the gut of Evans during the match. The AFL has been strict this season regarding body blows, with most resulting in automatic one-week suspensions. Both players were labeled as having medium impact, intentional conduct directed at the body, which led to their bans.
Moore may have a chance to argue his case at the tribunal, as it appears he hit Evans with an open hand rather than a closed fist. Sicily also disputed the umpire’s call, claiming the contact was made to Evans’ elbow, not his gut.
Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall expressed frustration at the incident, stating, “I find it incredibly frustrating when I watch acts of ill-discipline or petulance like that, especially from leaders.” He added, “Those players might find themselves out for a week for something that minor, and I don’t begrudge if they do get rubbed out for a week. They know what the rules are.”
Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson commented, “That’s from your captain as well. Evans was the victim both times. Maybe he’s provoked something.”
Gold Coast will also be without a player for the big game in Tasmania, as defender John Noble received a one-game ban for rough conduct against Essendon’s Tom Edwards.
Hawthorn is also concerned about star forward Nick Watson, who suffered a thumb injury late in the game. However, he managed to strap it up and return to the contest. Watson played a vital role in the Hawks’ win, kicking five goals and proving himself as a genuine match-winner. His performance was similar to his efforts in the club’s narrow win over Geelong on Easter Monday, where he kicked three clutch goals from limited opportunities.
Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters had a week of headlines after being fined for umpire abuse in the previous round. Despite this, he gathered 35 disposals and kicked a goal. Butters also faced penalties from the Match Review Officer, as he was fined $1,500 for striking Hawthorn forward Sam Butler. This brings his total fines across his AFL career to over $50,000.
The rivalry between Hawthorn and Port Adelaide continues to be intense. Their history dates back to the 2023 finals series, when then-Power coach Ken Hinkley had a verbal altercation with Sicily and Hawthorn star Jack Ginnivan. Hinkley was fined $20,000 for the incident, and the tension between the teams has persisted ever since.
