No. 1: The biggest form reversal from 2025 to now

Hawthorn has shot back into top four form, and much of the credit is owed to their defensive general.

After drawing to Collingwood and losing back-to-back games across a three-week period, the Hawks’ early push for top four credentials hit a road block.

However, after a successful trip to Tasmania, Sam Mitchell’s men have hit back in a big way, downing the Saints by 52 points to leap back into third place after Round 12.

With the return of Will Day, Jack Gunston maintaining his elite form and Jai Newcombe carrying on his clearance dominance, the Hawks appear in great shape going forward.

However, it’s the resurgence of co-captain James Sicily that caught the eye of David King.

“I’m just looking for players of influence that are going to play a major role at the back end of the year, and where they are at,” King told SEN Fireball.

“I think the reversal of form for James Sicily from ‘25 to ‘26 is incredibly significant.

“To see what he is doing with his intercept game, his kicking is back, his confidence is back and they’ve got a real chemistry behind the ball now that takes a while to get.”

With a slightly undermanned defensive unit, Sicily played out the best game of his season so far, collecting 33 disposals, 13 intercepts, 10 marks and 600 metres gained from the back half.

“I know Tom Barrass wasn’t there on the weekend, but Josh Weddle looked like he was really comfortable behind the ball under Sicily’s subtlety and guidance,” King continued.

“‘You’re here, you’re there, stay there, I’ve got this’… it just looked really in sync to me.

“I know that wasn’t the greatest challenge of all time in St Kilda, but their forward 50 had been working pretty well over the previous six to eight weeks.

“It was just impressive to see the manner in which they dominated. Of the guys that have got influence in the game, he could be the number one magnet for improvement from ‘25 to ‘26.”

Kane Cornes couldn’t help but agree.

“I don’t disagree with that,” he said.

“I think he’s had a really solid year.

“He rarely plays a poor game, and we were questioning him last year, so (it’s been a) huge turnaround.

“Maybe the release of half of the captaincy has been important for him as well.”

Back in form, Hawthorn host the Dogs next Friday night before their scheduled rest in Round 14.