Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 7, 2024 11:26 pm GMT
Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan Faces Scrutiny After Pre-Game Outing
In the lead-up to the Elimination Final against the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell expressed no concerns regarding Jack Ginnivan’s activities prior to the game. This comes after Ginnivan was photographed dining at the London Tavern in Richmond just hours before the match, a decision which drew both public attention and debate.
Ginnivan’s Pre-Game Routine
The 21-year-old forward spent Thursday evening out with friends, where an image circulated on social media showing him with a drink. Ginnivan was reported to have consumed only a soft drink during what was described as a quiet dinner. The Hawks confirmed that MITCHELL had granted Ginnivan permission to attend the outing, which the club characterized as a gathering to watch the first half of the qualifying final.
“He was out for dinner and home by half-time of the game,” a spokesperson for the club stated, indicating that Ginnivan’s night was not seen as problematic. Responding to the situation post-match, Mitchell emphasized the importance of Ginnivan’s on-field contributions. “There will be a lot of focus on his celebrations and where he has dinner and all those things, but we are very focused on what he does on the field,” he remarked.
Ginnivan’s decision to enjoy an evening out before a significant matchup has raised eyebrows, especially considering his previous controversy prior to last year’s Grand Final, where he had been out at the Moonee Valley races. Despite the past incident, Ginnivan took to social media to affirm his freedom to socialize, stating, “I love my forward line. Everyone is so young and so happy.” He added that external criticism rolled off him like “water off a duck’s back.”
Hawthorn Secures Dominant Victory
In the match itself, the Hawks secured a resounding 37-point victory over the Bulldogs, concluding the game at 14.15 (99) to 9.8 (62). Ginnivan, along with other young stars such as Nick Watson and Calsher Dear, played a pivotal role in the win. Watson contributed four goals, while Dear added three in his finals debut, both showcasing their capabilities on the big stage.
As the elimination final drew nearly 98,000 fans to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the youthful exuberance of the Hawks was evident. Mitchell noted the lack of intimidation faced by his relatively inexperienced lineup, stating, “I wonder if it’s the naiveté of youth. They are just enjoying their footy and playing with a high amount of energy.” This vivacity contrasted sharply with the experienced Bulldogs squad.
Hawthorn’s mid-linebacker Jai Newcombe delivered a standout performance, achieving 35 disposals and marking nine times during the match. He expressed delight with the win, emphasizing how far the team has come after a difficult start to the season.
Post-Match Implications
The victory propels the Hawks into a semi-final clash against Port Adelaide, with the potential for further success on the horizon. However, the availability of crucial midfielder Will Day remains uncertain due to a complex collarbone injury. Mitchell stated, “His availability is unknown at this stage. He is running but not doing any contact.” The coach remains optimistic that being in a final provides Day the opportunity for a quicker return.
This match marked Hawthorn’s first finals appearance since 2018, a momentous occasion that was both a relief and an occasion to celebrate for the club. Mitchell praised players who have shown resilience, particularly Lloyd Meek, whose impressive matchup against All-Australian ruckman Tim English played a key role in the Hawks’ success.
Looking Ahead
As the Hawks prepare for their upcoming semi-final, they carry the momentum from this significant victory. Mitchell’s focus will be on ensuring that his team maintains discipline and composure in the face of scrutiny, particularly surrounding media narratives involving players like Ginnivan. The matchup against Port Adelaide promises to be another critical test of character and capability for a squad filled with youthful energy and determination.
Fans of Australian Rules Football are buzzing with excitement as Hawthorn takes on a new challenge in the finals series. Young stars like Ginnivan, Watson, and Dear are stepping up and showing their skills on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
