AFL

If you are criticising Hawthorn captain James Sicily over his actions against Fremantle’s Patrick Voss — you have got no idea.

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The Hawks star was seen screaming in the direction of Voss shortly after the final siren went in Hawthorn’s 32-point Qualifying Final win against the Dockers at Optus Stadium.

James Sicily GIVES IT to Patrick Voss after the siren! 🌶️ 👀 pic.twitter.com/yMbGJdZvJ7

— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) September 3, 2026

Lip readers have suggested Sicily said something along the lines of ‘cop that c—’ or f— you c—’ as he ran past Voss, with the Docker forward turning around in surprise to the statement.

MORE: ‘Appalling!’ — Fremantle given scathing assessment after Hawthorn loss

Criticism has been levelled at Sicily for his conduct after the siren, particularly as he is skipper of Hawthorn.

However, there is significant history between the players, dating back to the previous match between the two teams at Optus Stadium.

In the May 7 match which Fremantle won by 15 points, Voss spent most of the match antagonising Sicily physically and verbally.

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Voss sledged Sicily relentlessly and continually bumped into the Hawthorn’s veteran back — in an attempt to put him off his game.

To Voss’ credit his tactics worked with Sicily not having his best game as the Hawks were consigned to a narrow defeat.

But if you live by the sword, you die by the sword — and that’s how Voss appears to play the game.

After both matches, both players eventually respectfully shook hands after the match and went to celebrate their wins.

It’s great theatre to see these gladiators going at each other with emotion boiling over before embracing once combat is over.

In a world full of faux outrage, it’s refreshing to see a bit of tension and theatrics on the sporting field in an environment that’s become increasingly sanitized.

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