Hawthorn break with tradition and appoint co-captains

Midfielder Jai Newcombe has been elevated to share Hawthorn's captaincy with James Sicily in a break with tradition by the AFL club.

The Hawks have never previously had joint captains, with the decision to appoint Newcombe and retain Sicily in the role described as significant by the club's powerbrokers.

"After undertaking an internal process, we believe the co-captain model will deliver the best result for our group in the long term," the Hawks' football boss Rob McCartney said on Thursday.

"Jai emerged as the clear candidate to step into the captaincy role alongside James.

"He leads by example, performs with elite consistency week to week, and has proven his ability to raise the bar on the biggest stages."

Newcombe, 24, said he was "humbled" by the move.

"Being a Hawks supporter my whole life, it has always been a dream of mine to lead the club," he said.

The 31-year-old Sicily had been sole captain since 2023.

"Being co-captains allows us to share the load and give greater opportunity for Jai to lead the club," Sicily said."I couldn't be prouder of Jai's development as a leader since he joined the club.

"We are both extremely passionate about the direction we are headed as we strive for the ultimate success."