Hawthorn recruit Jack Ginnivan insists there‘s no “bad blood” between him and Collingwood as he opened up on his “dream come true move” to the team he supported as kid.
The 20-year-old was unveiled in his new colours at Waverley on Thursday after his bombshell deadline day trade went through. Ginnivan’s move came after several refutes from Collingwood that the premiership player was being shopped around or exploring a move.
Ginnivan joined Hawthorn having struggled to cement his place as a regular at the Magpies this year before the arrival of Lachie Schultz from Fremantle, which gave Collingwood another small forward to choose from.
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‘It was Jack’s decision’ Ginnivan move | 05:34
But as the reality set in after a “pretty crazy” fortnight, Ginnivan — still admittedly in ”vacation mode” — struggled to contain his excitement in joining Hawthorn.
Speaking to Hawthorn media, Ginnivan said he was most excited at the prospect of playing alongside several of his childhood heroes, but perhaps even more so, to be coached by his favourite player Sam Mitchell, of whom he had his number on his back while he was growing up.
“It‘s a dream come true to don the brown and gold finally,” Ginnivan said.
“One of my favourite players was Sam (Mitchell). Growing up, watching him and having his number on my back, those are the things you dream of as a little kid and for that to happen is so special.”
Ginnivan Hawks move now official! | 04:24
Ginnivan also spoke of the “young core” at Hawthorn that has filled him with excitement after making the move across from the premiers.
The Hawks may have finished in 16th position on the ladder, but they showed rapid improvement in the second half of the year to put themselves on a fast track to get out of rebuild mode quickly.
“I think the young core as well and the excitement the boys play with,” he said.
“They’re always fast when moving the footy forward. People like CJ (Changkuoth Jiath), Dyl Moore, they’re so exciting to watch and it’s going to be great to be a part of.”
The opportunity to join a potent forward line and play alongside veteran Luke Breust – a player who Ginnivan models his own game on – was another aspect of the move that filled him with excitement.
“Luke Breust is one of my idols as well since I was a little kid. I always wanted to play like him,” he said.
”I‘ve copied his goalstyle routine so it will be good to stand next to him in the forward line with Mitch Lewis … And can kick some goals from a few crumbs.”
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The Hawks were busy in the trade period, with Ginnivan one of six deadline day deals done. He joins Jack Gunston, Mabior Chol and Massimo D’Ambrosio as new arrivals at Waverley Park for the 2024 season.
Dual premiership Kangaroo David King said Ginnivan loomed as a trade period “steal” for the Hawks, but warned the premiership Magpie had to “be more back page, less front page” at his new club.
“I like this guy. I like the way he plays,” King told Trading Day.
“He’s had a fantastic couple of years … It’s easy to just dismiss this guy and say ‘oh he’s been trouble’ – all the good players are trouble!”
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