Hawks Coach Responds to Ginnivan’s Pub Antics Post-Win

Updated on: October 8, 2024 8:52 am GMT

In a thrilling contest on Thursday night at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Hawthorn Hawks celebrated a 37-point victory over the Western Bulldogs in the elimination final of the AFL Premiership. The match, which drew a record crowd of 97,828, marked Hawthorn’s first final appearance since 2018 and showcased the remarkable talents of its youthful roster, particularly small forward Jack Ginnivan.

Sam Mitchell’s Support for Ginnivan

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell publicly supported Jack Ginnivan following the forward’s controversial pre-game dining choice. Just hours before the match, Ginnivan was spotted enjoying dinner at the London Tavern in Richmond, a move that drew scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. Despite concerns regarding player discipline, Mitchell viewed Ginnivan’s evening out as harmless and emphasized the importance of his performance on the field.

“There will be a lot of focus on his celebrations and where he has dinner, but we are very focused on what he does on the field,” said Mitchell after the match. The coach praised Ginnivan’s performance as pivotal, particularly in the second quarter, where he helped turn the game in Hawthorn’s favor with an impressive display.

Youth Prevails Over Experience

The match saw Hawthorn’s young players shine against a Western Bulldogs squad filled with veteran talent. While the Bulldogs boasted over 130 games of finals experience, the Hawks’ youthful energy led them to victory, aided by standout performances from emerging talents like Nick Watson and Calsher Dear. Watson scored four goals, while Dear contributed three in his finals debut, showcasing the potential of the next generation of players.

Mitchell remarked on the advantage of youth, suggesting that the lack of experience might actually benefit the younger players, allowing them to approach the ground with less pressure. “I wonder if it’s the naiveté of youth. They are just enjoying their footy and playing with a high amount of energy,” he noted.

Match Highlights and Standout Performances

The game was marked by impressive statistics, with Jai Newcombe standing out with 35 disposals along with nine marks and a goal. His contributions were vital to the Hawks’ overall performance. Mitchell particularly highlighted the performance of Lloyd Meek in the ruck, as he decisively outplayed the Bulldogs’ All-Australian ruckman Tim English.

As the second quarter progressed, Ginnivan’s influence on the match grew, culminating in a memorable goal that featured a new celebration mimicking the act of cracking open a drink, underscoring his personality on the field. “He thought he was enormously influential in the second quarter,” Mitchell stated, echoing the sentiments of fans who rejoiced at his spirited display.

Injury Concerns Ahead of Semi-Final

Looking ahead, Hawthorn’s semi-final clash against Port Adelaide raises questions regarding the availability of star midfielder Will Day, who has been sidelined due to a complex collarbone injury. Mitchell indicated that Day’s situation would be re-evaluated with input from the medical team as the team prepares for their upcoming match in South Australia.

Meanwhile, following the victory over the Bulldogs, there is a palpable sense of excitement among the players and coaching staff. Ginnivan responded to the criticism he faced leading up to the match with a light-hearted attitude, stating, “I feel like I’m allowed to go have a few waters and dinner. Everyone will keep talking.” His commitment to his teammates and confidence in their abilities were clear.

Community and Fan Engagement

The crowd attendance at the MCG is a testament to the region’s passionate fan base, making it the highest on record for an elimination final. This enthusiastic support fostered a thrilling atmosphere, energizing the young Hawks, who appeared unphased by the pressure of the occasion.

As the club heads into the semi-final, the focus remains on harnessing this momentum while continuing to develop their youthful squad. The experience gained from high-stakes matches like this will serve them well as they move deeper into the finals series.

The Hawks are excited to play against Port Adelaide next weekend! Everyone is looking forward to the game. Players and fans can’t wait to see how the team’s mix of young energy and new talent will do against the experienced opponents. They are all hoping to keep moving toward a chance to win the championship!