Though conceding Ginnivan had invited scrutiny with his “cheeky” behaviour, Sicily defended his teammate against criticism of his behaviour.
“We love Jack, what he’s brought to our team this year,” Sicily said. “Another thing I’m really proud of as a club, people come into our club and can be who they want to be, and find a great sense of belonging in that. We love Jack, we love what he brings. He’s a bit of a smart alec, that’s footy. It’s a game at the end of the day.
James Sicily defended Jack Ginnivan after a taunt from Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“People forget he’s 21. A lot of grown men are infatuated with the way he lives his life, which sometimes I look at it and feel it’s a bit embarrassing. People are different, you shouldn’t be judged on that sort of stuff.
“I know it’s easy. It’s probably part of Australian culture to bring people down a notch when they feel as though it’s right. We love Jack, we love what he’s brought to our footy club.”
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Sicily said while he did not regret sticking up for Ginnivan, he said he was disappointed it had overshadowed the send-off for Breust in his 300th game.
“The only thing I do wish I had my time with again is that exchange lingered too long and took the gloss off Punky’s 300th, and not being able to be fully present in chairing him off and acknowledging the contribution that he’s made to the game, our club, and being a great mate of mine as well,” Sicily said.
Hawks legend Hodge, a four-time premiership teammate of Mitchell, said Hinkley should not have sledged Hawthorn players after the game.
“He is a 60- year-old man. Act your age,” Hodge said on Seven. “You don’t go and start stuff like that because then, after all the football that Port played, they were sensational tonight, we’re coming out talking about them being poor sports, by saying that to a team that’s just finished their season.”
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Shaun Burgoyne, whose nephew Jase Burgoyne starred in Port’s win, said Hinkley should have shown more grace in victory.
“Ken recognised that straight away, and he let his emotions get a hold of him,” said Burgoyne, who played 407 games for Hawthorn and Port Adelaide.
“You can see the other Port [Adelaide] players laughing, which isn’t a good look. You need to be gracious in victory. Luke Breust is being celebrated for his 300th game, show him the respect he deserves as well.”
Lewis, speaking on Fox Footy, said Hinkley’s behaviour was unnecessary.
“I thought it was embarrassing,” Lewis said. “The where he did it and how we did it, you understand Luke Breust was coming off, there was going to be a guard of honour recognising a champion of the game after 300 games – I don’t think there was anything to gain.”
Hinkley opened his post-match press conference with an unsolicited admission of wrongdoing.
“I should start and say there was an incident after the game where I had some words with a Hawthorn player that I wish I hadn’t had, in a moment that I shouldn’t have had,” Hinkley said.
“There was stuff said during last week [by Ginnivan] that I certainly didn’t enjoy, but I shouldn’t have let that moment get to me.
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“I regret the comment. I should have stayed out of that comment, but I didn’t.
“It just goes to show that everyone can get better, and I’m trying to still get better.
“What was done during the week was done and I responded to it in an emotional state, which shouldn’t be the case.”
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