Hawthorn captain James Sicily is already anticipating a “heightened atmosphere” for the Round 1 clash against Essendon, as the AFL rivals prepare to face off following a tumultuous off-season. The Hawks’ aggressive attempt to recruit star midfielder Zach Merrett caught the Bombers off guard, leading to a tense standoff during the trade period. Despite Merrett’s desire to leave, Essendon managed to retain their captain, only to later make a substantial offer to Hawthorn’s young talent, Josh Weddle.
This development has set the stage for an electrifying start to the 2026 AFL season, with a crowd of over 80,000 expected at the MCG on March 13. “There’s a lot of history there, and the games are usually big, but obviously there’s the extra added theatre with what happened in the off-season,” Sicily remarked on Monday. “That just creates a great spectacle and there will be an awesome atmosphere.”
Off-Season Drama: Recruitment Battles
Hawthorn’s pursuit of Merrett was part of a broader strategy by coach Sam Mitchell, who has been noted for his bold recruiting tactics. Mitchell’s efforts to strengthen the Hawks’ roster included meetings with Merrett and West Coast captain Oscar Allen last season. While this approach has ruffled some feathers, Sicily supports the club’s ambition to enhance their lineup in pursuit of premiership glory, describing it as the “new normal” in the current football landscape.
“I admire the club’s efforts to bring in players that will make us better, like every club does,” Sicily stated. Meanwhile, Essendon’s counteroffer to Weddle, reportedly valued at $10 million over seven years, underscores the high stakes involved in retaining top talent.
Josh Weddle: Rising Star Under Spotlight
Josh Weddle, 21, is entering his fourth season with Hawthorn and has already made a significant impact, playing 60 games. His current contract runs until the end of 2026, but Essendon’s lucrative offer has put him in the spotlight. “We gave him a bit of grief for that because he still didn’t shout any of the boys over on our Euro trip when that got announced,” Sicily joked.
With a team brimming with young talent, Sicily emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong club culture and environment to retain players. “That’s where you need to make sure your environment is amazing, your culture is amazing, and your facilities are amazing,” he said, acknowledging that financial offers alone should not be the deciding factor for players considering a move.
New Facilities, New Opportunities
Sicily’s comments came during the official opening of Hawthorn’s new $113 million Kennedy Community Centre headquarters in Dingley. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to provide the Hawks with a competitive edge in the coming seasons. The 30-year-old captain, who battled an abdominal and hip injury last season, expressed optimism about his recovery and aims to return to full training in January, as the senior players report back on December 1.
Additionally, Sicily expressed confidence in young star Will Day’s recovery from a foot injury that prematurely ended his 2025 campaign. “He’s been here three times a week and he looks pretty strong. He’s doing some running and training pretty hard,” Sicily noted. “We obviously wish him a clean bill of health and if he is to do so, then he’s obviously a very important player for us.”
“We did pretty well last season getting to a prelim without him, so having a fit and healthy Will will definitely make us a better team,” Sicily added.
Looking Ahead: A Season of High Stakes
The upcoming season promises to be one of high stakes and intense competition, as the Hawks and Bombers prepare to renew their rivalry on the field. The off-season recruiting battles have only added fuel to the fire, setting the stage for an exciting showdown. As both teams aim to solidify their positions and make a strong start to the season, fans can expect a thrilling display of skill and strategy when the two teams meet in March.
With new facilities and a focus on nurturing young talent, Hawthorn is poised to make significant strides in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Essendon’s bold move to secure Weddle highlights the ongoing battle for supremacy in the AFL. As the countdown to the season opener begins, all eyes will be on the MCG for what promises to be a memorable clash.
