HAWTHORN is in contract talks with James Sicily, keen to extend the reborn defender's tenure at Waverley beyond 2017.

Sicily, 22, is due to come out of contract at the end of this year and his market value has soared since he has settled permanently in defence in the second half of the season.

Sicily's sizzling recent form has understandably attracted opposition interest, but AFL.com.au understands the Keilor product is happy at Waverley and wants to stay.

The Hawks have opened negotiations with the defender and it's not expected any stumbling blocks will arise to derail a new deal, which could be announced before the end of the season. 

From round 14, the 186cm Sicily has averaged 24.3 touches a game, along with 9.7 marks (2.6 contested) and 4.6 rebound 50s.

The former Western Jet's ability to zone off his man to intercept mark or support his teammates in aerial contests has been outstanding, helping to cover veteran defender Josh Gibson's absence through a groin injury.

With Gibson, 33, likely to retire at the end of this season, Sicily looms as a readymade replacement.

Sicily is a feisty competitor who came under the spotlight recently for a heated on-field disagreement with teammate Taylor Duryea in round 18.

After the Duryea incident, Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said he loved Sicily's approach to football.

"He's a passionate player and he's playing some good footy for us in the back half," Clarkson said.

Sicily was recruited with pick No.56 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.

He spent all but three games of his first two seasons in the VFL as the Hawks captured the second and third flags of their 2013-15 premiership three-peat.

But he missed just two senior games in a breakthrough 2016 season, kicking 30 goals in 22 matches as a medium forward, including five against North Melbourne and four against the Western Bulldogs.

Sicily was dropped after a disappointing performance against Essendon in round one this year and struggled for consistency after his return in round four as he spent time in attack, defence and, occasionally, the wing.

But when Gibson was injured in Hawthorn's round 12 loss to Gold Coast it opened a spot in defence. Sicily has grabbed it with both hands.