Hawthorn is not concerned about James Sicily's health despite the star defender missing the second half of Wednesday’s intra-club practice match with an ankle concern.
While the reigning Peter Crimmins Medallist was removed from the game, Hawthorn assistant coach Adrian Hickmott says Sicily’s concern was “really minor” as the Hawks try to manage the workload of key players ahead of the 2023 season.
“He’ll be fine,” Hickmott told SEN Mornings.
“It was really, really minor.
“We had some players we had to manage too, we were really aware that it’s a long season.
“To manage players and take them out on minutes was to get them through the next few weeks really.
“We play Geelong down there and then Collingwood in Tassie (in practice games).”
Sicily has been touted as Hawthorn’s next captain and his opportunity could come as soon at this season after Ben McEvoy’s retirement.
Hickmott says the process of naming the club’s next captain is still ongoing with a decision to be made before Round 1.
“The process is still a work in progress,” Hickmott said.
“We’re working our way through that slowly but surely.
“In time that’ll work itself out with Sam and the club itself.
“We’re biding time and seeing how it all unfolds.”
Hawthorn face Geelong in an unofficial practice match at GMHBA Stadium on February 23 before hosting Collingwood in an official practice game at UTAS Stadium on March 2.
Their season proper begins against Essendon on March 19 at the MCG.