Hawthorn captain James Sicily is already anticipating a “heightened atmosphere” for the Round 1 grudge match against Essendon, following a dramatic off-season where the AFL rivals engaged in a fierce recruiting battle. The Hawks’ bold pursuit of Essendon’s star midfielder Zach Merrett took the Bombers by surprise, as they managed to retain their contracted skipper despite his expressed desire to leave.
In a retaliatory move, Essendon reportedly extended a staggering $10 million offer to Hawthorn’s emerging talent, Josh Weddle, one year before his current contract is set to expire. The AFL is poised to capitalize on the tension between the clubs, with an anticipated crowd of over 80,000 expected at their MCG clash on March 13, 2026.
Off-Season Drama Fuels Rivalry
“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.”
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell, known for his aggressive recruiting tactics, has stirred controversy by meeting with Merrett and West Coast captain Oscar Allen last season. Despite the friction, Sicily supports the Hawks’ strategy to strengthen their roster in pursuit of a premiership, describing it as the “new normal” in today’s football landscape.
Essendon’s offer to Weddle, reportedly a seven-year deal, underscores the high stakes involved. The 21-year-old, who has played 60 games with the Hawks, is seen as a key asset for the future.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Sicily humorously noted the ribbing Weddle received from teammates following the news of Essendon’s offer. “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 said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong team culture to retain young talent, even in the face of lucrative offers from rival clubs.
“That’s where you need to make sure your environment is amazing, your culture is amazing, and your facilities are amazing,” Sicily added. “So that when people are offered contracts that are maybe 20 or 30 percent more than what they’d get offered here, it’s not good enough to leave.”
New Facilities and Injury Comebacks
Sicily spoke at the opening of Hawthorn’s new $113 million Kennedy Community Centre headquarters in Dingley, which he believes will provide the Hawks with a competitive edge in the coming seasons. The 30-year-old, recovering from an abdominal and hip injury, is optimistic about returning to full training in January, with senior players resuming pre-season on December 1.
Additionally, Sicily expressed confidence in young star Will Day’s recovery from a foot injury that prematurely ended his 2025 season. “He’s been here three times a week and he looks pretty strong. He’s doing some running and training pretty hard,” Sicily said. “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.”
Looking Ahead
The unfolding drama between Hawthorn and Essendon sets the stage for a thrilling AFL season opener, with both clubs eager to prove their mettle. As the Hawks look to leverage their new facilities and cultivate a strong team culture, the Bombers’ audacious bid for Weddle highlights the competitive nature of player recruitment in the AFL.
As the countdown to March 13 continues, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these developments influence the dynamics on and off the field. The upcoming clash promises not only to reignite a storied rivalry but also to showcase the evolving strategies of AFL clubs in their quest for dominance.
