Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan has declared he needs to "grow up" following his latest antagonistic instalment in the lead-up to the semi-final against Port Adelaide.
Following a stirring win against the Western Bulldogs, Ginnivan commented on former teammate Brodie Grundy's Instagram post, saying "see u in 14 days", implying that the Swans and Hawks would meet in the preliminary final.
However, the Power had something to say about that.
Ginnivan and Ken Hinkley were seen in the post-match exchanging words, leading to Hawthorn captain James Sicily to step in as the club's honoured 300-gamer Luke Breust.
Hinkley was issued, as please explain, for his role in the incident and was fined $20,000 for the altercation.
Speaking to 7News' Mitch Cleary, Ginnivan admitted that he has some work to do but felt he was backed by the entire club.
“Upon reflection, it probably wasn't the smartest idea, but the leaders and coaches had my full support, and they backed me in,” Ginnivan said.
“I've just got to grow up, I guess, and be a bit smarter.”
Hawks antagonist Jack Ginnivan has broken his silence after his social media antics rocked the footy world. Chief football reporter @cleary_mitch spoke exclusively to the polarising star. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb @7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/sa69SB70Fa
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) September 19, 2024
Sicily said shortly after the dust had settled on the heartbreaking loss that the small forward "wished he didn't do it".
“Jack openly admitted during the week to the leaders that he really wished he didn't do it. That's all part of the learning," Sicily reflected to reporters the morning after the match.
“I I think those things are better off done behind closed doors.
“I think people forget he's 21 and a lot of grown men are infatuated with the way he lives his life and sometimes I look at it and feel as though that's a bit embarrassing. People are different. We shouldn't be judgemental.
“It was cheeky. I don't think the game was lost or won on motivation because of it. It wasn't necessarily a direct attack at Ken, at Port Adelaide.
“We love Jack, we love what he's brought to our football club.”
The Hawks will be watching on the sidelines as the Power suit up against premiership favourites Sydney at the SCG on Friday night.
