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Hawthorn captain James Sicily has praised cult hero Jack Ginnivan for the energy and atmosphere he creates and insists the public face of the Hawks “rascal pack” can strike the right on-field balance as they emerge as serious finals contenders.
The long-sleeved, long-haired Ginnivan, 21, has become something of a rock star with fans, declaring he has been able to express himself more at Waverley than he had been allowed during his three years at Collingwood.
Jack Ginnivan alongside coach Sam Mitchell at training on Tuesday.Credit: Getty Images
Ginnivan, a rookie draft selection in 2021 and premiership player last year before the Magpies opted to trade him, had a career-best 31 disposals, 11 score involvements and two goals in a 66-point crunching of his former club on Saturday, his strong workrate and preparedness to push up the field a key part of the win.
“Yeah, I think he is really good for creating atmosphere and energy. He has taken ‘Wiz’ [Nick Watson] a little bit under his wing as well. And a lot of these young guys feel really comfortable expressing themselves and being who they want to be in our environment, and that’s something we are really proud of,” Sicily said on Tuesday.
“But … we also know that when it’s time to work, we actually work. A lot of the young guys have a really strong work ethic and are able to flick the switch when it’s time to be really serious, but when it’s time to have joy and fun, particularly on offence, you want to express yourself and play with freedom, we want to score, but, sometimes, the defensive side of our game is really strong as well.”
Ginnivan infuriated Magpies fans with his “goodnight” gestures in the final term, and also kissing his new club badge as the Hawks took charge of the match.
Fellow small forward Watson, a member of the so-called rascal pack, and also fast becoming a fan favourite, revealed that the group discuss their goal celebrations.
“There were a few on the weekend, to be honest. We talk about it a tiny bit during the week, but it sort of just comes off instinct after the goal,” Watson, this week’s Rising Star nominee for his three goals on Saturday, said.