Finn Maginness

Hawthorn’s Finn Maginness addresses Simon Goodwin sledge

Melbourne’s coach claimed the Hawk “doesn’t want the ball”.

Published by
Jack Jovanovski

Hawthorn midfielder Finn Maginness has responded to Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin's post-game comments about the youngster's approach to the game.

Maginness, who has solidified a regular spot in coach Sam Mitchell's side this season due to his ability to run with star opponents, was rewarded by Hawthorn with a two-year contract extension on Tuesday.

However, following the Demons' victory over the Hawks last Sunday afternoon, Goodwin claimed the Hawthorn tagger "doesn't want the ball" after he performed a shutdown role on prolific Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver.

"Clearly, Finn Maginness is someone that doesn't want the ball, so that makes it a bit challenging and a bit frustrating [for us]," Goodwin said post-game last Sunday about Maginness.

Speaking via SEN after signing his fresh extension, Maginness addressed Goodwin's statement, claiming it 'doesn't really faze' him.

"Obviously Simon Goodwin is entitled to his own opinion but it doesn't really faze me at all," said Maginness on Tuesday.

"The only coach's comments I really listen to are my own, obviously, so as long as I'm ticking all the boxes Sam (Mitchell) wants me to tick then I'm pretty happy with how I'm going. So, it hasn't really fazed me too much."

Maginness went on to refute Goodwin's Sunday suggestion that the Hawk 'doesn't want the ball', stating the ball is "all you want".

"I can say right now that I've played the game since I was five years old and all you want is the ball," he continued.

"But at times players play a different role for the team and at the moment, mine is more to stop a man first, get the ball second.

"I'm sure over my career it might evolve a bit more to have a higher priority on getting the footy, but at the moment my primary priority is to stop the opposition's player."

While Maginness' Hawks were ultimately toppled by the flag-contending Demons last weekend, Hawthorn's young brigade has shown glimpses of its bright future.

The Hawks are preparing for a final-round matchup with Fremantle at the MCG this Saturday afternoon.

2023-08-26T03:45:00Z
Published by
Jack Jovanovski