James Sicily has become the focus of a post-match controversy after appearing to aim a foul-mouthed sledge at Fremantle forward Patrick Voss following Hawthorn’s 32-point qualifying-final victory at Optus Stadium on Thursday night.
The Hawthorn captain had been one of the outstanding players in the Hawks’ 10.12 (72) to 5.10 (40) win, which ended Fremantle’s unbeaten home record for the season and secured a preliminary final at the MCG.
But moments after the final siren, Sicily confronted Voss as the players crossed paths. The Fremantle forward stopped, turned and glared at his opponent, although he did not appear to respond before later offering his hand. The pair shook hands before leaving the field.
James Sicily’s post-siren exchange with Patrick Voss
Footage of the exchange quickly spread online, with viewers attempting to work out what Sicily had said. Unofficial interpretations included “f*** you, c***” and “cop that, c***”, although the words could not be confirmed from the footage.
One social-media user suggested a more serious insult, but acknowledged the interpretation was uncertain. There is no suggestion that Voss has a history of racist behaviour, and no confirmed account of Sicily’s words has emerged.
The incident was striking given Sicily’s composure during a disciplined defensive performance. He finished with 26 disposals, 10 marks and a game-high 12 intercepts as Hawthorn held the minor premiers to just five goals.
Fremantle had entered the match with a 12-0 record at Optus Stadium this season, but Hawthorn established control early by kicking six goals to one in the first half. The result left the Dockers facing a semi-final next week, while the Hawks earned a week’s rest before their home preliminary final.
Sicily quickly regained his composure when interviewed by Channel Seven on the field, praising Hawthorn’s defensive effort and describing the victory as the team’s best of the season.
“It’s probably the best win so far to come here. They haven’t lost here. Best team all year,” he said.
The exchange was not Sicily’s first involvement in a heated post-siren moment during a final. He was also prominent during the confrontation between Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley and Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan after Hawthorn’s 2024 semi-final defeat, an incident that resulted in Hinkley being fined.
