CONFUSION creased James Sicily's face last year as Carlton pest Jed Lamb mischievously ruffled the Hawk's hair after kicking a second goal on him.

This wasn't supposed to be happening.

Sicily's celebrated transition from erratic forward to star defender was one of last season's unlikely success stories, and Hawthorn still had a slim finals chance before losing on that night.

He gave away an equal-season-high seven free kicks and had a modest 13 disposals – for only the second time in 10 rounds since going down back he failed to win at least 22.

To coach Alastair Clarkson, it was a "good learning curve" for Sicily.

His 2017 campaign was full of lessons: dropped twice in the first seven rounds; the torrent of criticism the 1-5 Hawks received; clashes with umpires and the Swans; and, of course, the infamous Taylor Duryea spray.

"I learned that it's not all about me," the 23-year-old told AFL.com.au, speaking specifically about the Carlton match.

"It's a team game and if that stuff (the Blues' niggling tactics) happens, which it may or may not, how can I get others into the game and play more of a selfless role within the backline?

"I fell into the trap that it always had to be me doing the intercept marking and getting the footy."

So much has changed for Sicily in the past 12 months, yet so much remains the same.

His verbal stoush with Magpie Adam Treloar in round one, complete with a mock handball motion in response to Treloar's own actions to Tom Mitchell a year ago, was very familiar.

But what is new is Sicily's brilliant and, importantly, more consistent play.

Clarkson labelled him "a very special player" in an AFL.com.au interview on season eve, while retired star Nathan Brown told Triple M listeners he expected Sicily to be an All Australian in 2018.

Teammate Jack Gunston has already poked fun at Sicily about Brown's bold prediction.

And herein lies the truth about Sicily, who told AFL.com.au in August last year he was "a totally different bloke outside of football".

He became uncomfortable and almost embarrassed, as opposed to his brash and rambunctious on-field persona, when Clarkson's and Brown's effusive praise was relayed to him.

"It's good if you've got the faith of the coach, but when I think of special, I just think of Cyril," Sicily said.

"It gives me confidence (Clarkson) has faith in me, but I still just want to go out and do what I do best and try and contribute to the team winning."

Sicily has embraced his more senior role within Hawthorn's squad – despite being only 45 games into his career – and noticed a shift in his relationship with the four-time premiership coach.

"We're probably in a different phase in terms of educating young guys and nurturing the younger talent within the group," he said.

"I think (Clarkson's) found a good balance of when to educate, nurture and then to challenge and really pressure you on something."

Sicily's broad skillset – beyond sledging – was on display in the Hawks' 34-point defeat of Collingwood, with 26 disposals (11 contested) at 85 per cent efficiency, seven marks and 11 intercept possessions.

None of the players who gained at least 400m in round one matched his 88.5 per cent retention rate.

Maybe, just maybe, Nathan Brown was onto something.

"Just being a bit more comfortable in the competition (is helping) and a real sense of belonging with the club and knowing that you can contribute each week," Sicily said.

"I think that's what's probably changed for me.

"We've still got huge belief (as a club) … we don't think it needs to take five, six years to get back on track. We think we can win the premiership now."