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Hawks star on verge of return
Hawthorn captain James Sicily is on the verge of returning to the AFL after needing a “minor procedure” on his hip injury.
Midfielder James Worpel also looks ready to return for Saturday’s danger game against North Melbourne in Launceston.
Sicily has not played since round 13 and coach Sam Mitchell revealed before Thursday’s training the star’s time out had involved more than just rest and rehabilitation.
“He’s obviously been dealing with a ‘nervy’ hip thing, which we’ve sort-of got a bit more of (our heads) around,” Mitchell said.
Hawks skipper James Sicily.Credit: Getty Images
“He had a minor procedure, which sorted out a big portion of it. Will he get up for this week? Training will tell us a bit more about that.
“But it’s definitely been beneficial for him.”
Sicily and Worpel (quad) are listed as tests and Mitchell was giving nothing away about potential changes for the North Melbourne game.
Mitchell bristled late last month when quizzed about Sicily’s form and fitness at a media conference, calling the speculation “a storm in a teacup”.
Within days, the Hawks announced Sicily would need a couple of weeks off because of the hip problem.
AAP
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Some ugly numbers for Carlton
Good evening and welcome
What a Thursday night of footy shapes up for under-siege Carlton, who travel to Adelaide for a tough clash against Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval. Both teams have 6-8 records so, to be brutal, it’s really season over for the loser tonight.
