Leading AFL journalist Caroline Wilson has slammed polarising Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan, claiming he cost his team their chance at a championship with his now infamous social media post.
The Hawks had their best season of the year, but ultimately lost their semi-final against Port Adelaide by just three points – 11.9 (75) to 11.6 (72) – on Friday night at Adelaide Oval.
While there was a lot of positive feedback in the lead up to the match, there was also bitter reaction after Ginnivan ridiculed Port Adelaide on social media.
Ginnivan responded to an Instagram post from his former Magpies teammate, Sydney ruckman Brodie Grundy, writing: ‘See you in 14 days’, referring to next weekend’s preliminary round.
The comments went down well with Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley, who after the match returned the serve to Ginnivan, where he became embroiled in an altercation with the 21-year-old.
Wilson believes Ginnivan’s actions have cost the club a lot of money.
“Hawthorn lost a game they could have easily won. And you take every lead you can get in a final,” Wilson said on 3AW radio.
‘I would even go so far as to say he cost Hawthorn the victory, Jack Ginnivan, by what he did last week.’
Jack Ginnivan (pictured) challenged Port Adelaide on social media this week by telling Sydney player Brodie Grundy he would see him in the preliminary final
AFL journalist Caroline Wilson (pictured) says Ginnivan cost his team a potential championship title with his brazen social media antics
‘I would even go further and say Hawthorn could have won the title.
‘What Jack Ginnivan did, to me, goes completely against what a club or a player should do.
‘Externally, stand up for Jack Ginnivan. Internally, I hope someone explained: ‘Jack, read the room.’
Brodie Grundy says the game should celebrate characters like Ginnivan rather than tear them down.
The two were teammates at Collingwood before both being dropped from the squad, with Grundy leaving for Melbourne in 2022 and Ginnivan joining Hawthorn after winning the competition in 2023.
“Jack, he’s a character. He’s also an entertainer, and that’s what I like about him,” Grundy said.
“He brings eyes to our game, which I think is cool. As an industry, we want to have personality, and I think we should celebrate that.
The Hawks lost their semi-final against Port Adelaide by just three points – 11.9 (75) to 11.6 (72) – on Friday night at Adelaide Oval
‘I clearly didn’t find it entertaining in the chat, maybe I’ve learned a little bit, but I think it’s great what he brings to our game.’
Sydney have been given a week off after beating rivals GWS in the qualifying final, with the team now focusing on their home preliminary final against the Power on Friday night.
Grundy, who returns to full ruck duties at the Swans after sharing duties at the Demons last season, says his body feels “as good as it’s ever been”.
“It was good to have a bye leading up to the finals and to have a bye this week. It comes at a really good time,” Grundy said.
‘The role that I play, and I think a lot of other players in my position as well, is that we like to take the burden and get on with it, as they say.
“I’m at the point where I’m thinking, and I haven’t done this kind of work in probably two seasons.
‘Last year (at Melbourne) I played about 60 per cent of the games I played in the AFL, and half of those were as a forward. The year before that I got injured.
‘From a personal perspective I’m really happy that I’ve been resilient and been able to play good football for the team.
“My body feels better than ever now.”
Brodie Grundy (pictured) says the sport should celebrate characters like Ginnivan
When asked what surprised him since moving stateside after one season with Melbourne, the 30-year-old joked: “Probably my tan.
‘Honestly, I just think I really enjoyed working with the midfield.
‘I feel like they help me as much as I help them.
“When I came to Sydney and spoke to (coach John Longmire) I said, ‘I’ve moved once before so I don’t want to move again.’
“It was a pretty transparent conversation about the player I am and the player I want to become. That’s how I want to play football.
“He’s been very forgiving in the sense that I could just be that player and not expect too much of him that I would become some all-encompassing superstar.”
