After their crushing Round 5 loss to Port Adelaide that uncovered flaws that had been, to that point, masked by their ability to quickly shift the momentum of a match, question marks loomed over many players in the Hawks’ side, and omissions at the selection table were needed.
This included the enigmatic Jack Ginnivan, who finished the clash with an underwhelming twelve disposal, no goal performance that compounded an average start to a 2025 season that saw him averaging 13 disposals and only 0.2 goals per game. Though his designated role as a small forward is by no means an easy position to play, the 22 year-old had set an expectation regarding his output over his first season in the brown and gold, as averages of 17.6 disposals and 1.3 goals meant that his start to the year could only be deemed a disappointment.
However a 22 disposal, four goal response after being assigned to Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate Box Hill meant Ginnivan’s hiatus from the main squad was kept to one week, and his play from that point has proven that coach Sam Mitchell’s decision to drop the small forward was a masterstroke.
potent, experienced Hawthorn side, Ginnivan proved his confidence and intensity had returned, notching 17 disposals, two goals and seven tackles – the last stat a perfect example of his returned intensity and endeavour.
But given the status of the opposition who currently sit at 18th on the ladder having notched just a solitary victory, many questioned whether the former Pie was simply cashing in against a weaker opponent. But strong individual showings against strong opposition in the form of Collingwood, Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs have proved that the forward can match it against the best.
Since that Sunday afternoon clash against West Coast, his game has gone from strength to strength, averaging a career-best 20.8 disposals and 7.0 score involvements since this outing. Additionally, his uncanny ability to impact on the scoreboard has returned, as 13 of his 15 majors have come since he returned to the senior side, whilst the frequency at which he is involved in scoring chains has returned to its 2024 levels.
This seven week period has seen Ginnivan put together some of the best games of his career, including a stellar 31 disposal, three goal outing against his former side, and a critical 23 disposal, two goal showing in their most recent matchup against the Bulldogs.
And such is the nature of the enigmatic character that has generated significant fan and media opinions since his debut in 2021, Ginnivan’s flair for the theatrical has re-emerged alongside his performance. Though it was definitely not the first time for the polarising star, his celebration (or taunt, as those who weren’t too keen on his pundits labelled it) after a game-icing goal against the Western Bulldogs divided the AFL world.
Kicked early in the final quarter at a critical junction in the match, and ultimately quashing any chance of a Bulldog fightback, the goal and subsequent celebration was best summed up by vice-captain Dylan Moore who acknowledged that “when Ginni is at his best, he’s showboating a bit, he’s causing a little bit of frustration in the opposition”.
And there is absolutely no doubt that his current form is causing opposition players, coaches and fans alike frustration, as the fact a player lacking significant athletic gifts can impact matches this significantly contradicts the trends of the modern AFL game. Despite his antagonistic nature and off-field theatrics, the young star has put together quite the resume across his first 77 matches, and is sure to keep building as his time in the brown and gold extends.
All eyes will be on Ginnivan and the rest of his Hawthorn teammates as they prepare to face Adelaide on Friday night in Tasmania, in what is sure to be a marquee matchup against the 6th and 3rd placed teams on the ladder.
