He may be the beneficiary of some gold-class ruckwork, but don’t let that undersell Shepparton midfielder Adam De Cicco’s influence.
In a side that features X-factor midfield-forward Luke Smith and 2024 Morrison Medal-winning ruckman Ash Holland, it can be lost in the wash just how good and reliable De Cicco has been this season.
Moving from Murray Football League side Cobram at the end of the 2022 season, De Cicco’s impact on the Bears group has been significant.
The star midfielder was named co-captain of the side alongside Mitch Brett this year.
When delving into the mineshafts of GVL Data, it is clear that De Cicco is one of the premier midfielders in the Goulburn Valley League.
De Cicco has averaged 29.2 disposals, 12.9 contested possessions, 7.4 tackles, 5.8 inside 50s and 5.9 clearances across 20 games in 2024.
The gun midfielder has also averaged the second most ranking points (140.3) per game at Shepparton behind Smith (143.3).
Adam De Cicco’s magnificent 2024 season
Averages across 20 games:
Ranking points - 140.3
Disposals - 29.2
Contested possessions - 12.9
Tackles - 7.4
Inside 50s - 5.8
Clearances - 5.9
The Bears co-captain said falling in love with the culture at Shepparton had been the key to his success at the club.
“I am just enjoying my football, to be honest,” De Cicco said.
“I really do love it at Shepp.
“I guess you play better football if you enjoy your football.
“It does help when you have Ash Holland there tapping it down to you — that always makes it easier.”
This Sunday, De Cicco and the majority of the Bears side will play in their first GVL grand final.
The Shepparton midfielder said the club looked forward to the contest against powerhouse side Echuca.
“Excited, a little bit nervous, but not too much,” he said.
“We have a pretty young group, so the boys are very excited and we can’t wait for Sunday.
“There are a few boys in the senior side that played in that 2018 grand final for Shepp, so I think we will all lean on each other and ride the waves and experience together.”
Shepparton finished seventh on the ladder in 2023; although a rise in performance was expected for the 2024 season, not many pundits would have predicted an imposing 17-1 home-and-away record.
De Cicco said the reason for the Bears’ spike in performance was due to a couple of factors.
“I think it is the growth within the group,” he said.
“We have a lot of young kids that just want to learn.
“They want to keep growing as senior players.
“It helps when we rock up to training and everyone is switched on and wants to play better football.”