Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy could not have imagined that an innocent celebration photo on Instagram after defeating the Giants would end up providing the catalyst for a post-game war of words between Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley and Hawthorn a week later.

Underneath the photo of Grundy and Isaac Heeney smiling at the SCG, Hawthorn star Jack Ginnivan’s five-word reply for his former Collingwood teammate – ‘see u in 14 days’ – ultimately provided Port Adelaide with sufficient psychological fuel to power their three-point semi-final victory over the Hawks.

After the game, Hinkley made an airplane gesture towards the Hawthorn team, referencing Ginnivan’s post implying the Hawks would be jetting to Sydney for the preliminary final, and exchanged words with their captain James Sicily. Hinkley has subsequently apologised and has been asked to explain his actions by the AFL.

Speaking last Friday, before the events at Adelaide Oval the next day, Grundy said he believed Ginnivan’s personality is exactly what the AFL needs.

“Jack, he’s a character and he’s an entertainer as well and that’s what I love 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.

“I obviously didn’t entertain the chat. Perhaps maybe [I’m] a little bit wiser, but I love what he brings to our game.”

Grundy will now prepare for Friday night’s preliminary final against Port Adelaide – a club he could have joined instead of the Swans.

Grundy’s decision to opt for a fresh start in Sydney this season rather than return to his home town of Adelaide has proved vital in unlocking the full potential of the Swans’ outstanding midfield trio of Heeney, Chad Warner and Errol Gulden.