What young Hawthorn star Jack Ginnivan can do in Adelaide on Thursday ahead of the Hawks’ clash with Port Adelaide
He loves a night out before a big final but the young Hawks star says he doesn’t know what to do in Adelaide. Here’s some ideas ahead of Friday’s do-or-die clash with the Power.
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Young Hawthorn star Jack Ginnivan doesn’t mind ruffling a few opposition feathers with his unique pre-match preparation.
Last week, the talented goalsneak caused a minor furore when he was spotted at a Melbourne pub having dinner with some housemates on the eve of the Hawks’ do-or-die final against the Western Bulldogs.
While the move raised a few eyebrows, the Hawks won and Ginnivan kicked the winning goal, which he celebrated by miming cracking open a drink and pouring it over his head.
Now Ginnivan is on his way to Adelaide for Hawthorn’s Friday night semi-final with the Power at Adelaide Oval, but the 21-year-old has revealed he’s not sure how to spend his Thursday in SA.
“Can you suggest anything in Adelaide for me? There isn’t much to do there for me,” he said.
So here are some local tips on how the controversial star can fill the hours in Adelaide before he takes to the field.
ANGLE PARK GREYHOUNDS
Ginnivan famously headed trackside prior to last year’s grand final, popping into Melbourne’s Moonee Valley races for a couple of hours on the night before the big game.
Now there’s no horse racing in Adelaide on Thursday but perhaps he might be keen to check out the greyhounds at Angle Park instead?
There’s 12 races on the card this Thursday night, plus he can grab a drink or a feed at Chasers Restaurant. And if he leaves after race 7, he can still be tucked up in his hotel bed by 9.30pm.
ADELAIDE’S SMALL BARS
Being the centre of attention isn’t an issue for Ginnivan but if wants to keep a lower profile prior to Friday night, then one (or more) of the CBD’s wide selection of small bars should be on his radar.
In the city’s laneways along Peel St, Leigh St and Bank St, he’ll find venues such as Alfred’s, Paloma, Jennie’s, Leigh Street Luggage, Pink Moon Saloon, Udaberri, or The Caribbean Bar, all perfect for the thirsty footballer looking to keep things low key.
If his teammate Nick ‘The Wizard’ Watson, is looking for something to do, there’s the aptly named Sorcerer’s Bar on Bank St, a tiny spot filled with “wild wizardry cocktails and fine German Draft beers”. What could go wrong?
AFRICOLA AND FUGAZZI RESTAURANTS
Before a big game, a quality meal is essential preparation for any elite sportsman – and Adelaide is renowned for the quality of its cuisine.
For some of the city’s best dishes, the Hawks’ star should look no further than Duncan Welgemoed’s award-winning Africola. After all, if it’s good enough for tennis legend Novak Djokovic, then it’s good enough for Ginnivan.
The Serbian superstar is among a host of big names who have dined at the venue, including pop superstar Katy Perry and Oscar winner Olivia Colman.
Alternatively, another popular celebrity haunt is Laura Sharrad’s Fugazzi on Leigh Street.
The former Rigoni’s has played host to stars such as Henry Winkler and Nigella Lawson, and is open for dinner until late.
ADELAIDE’S TOP COFFEE SPOTS
The Advertiser hears that the crafty small forward is a caffeine enthusiast, who also loves a spot of brunch – like most 20-somethings.
This might be a hot take but Adelaide’s coffee scene is right up there with Melbourne’s and there’s plenty of options around town for a quality caffeinated brew.
A few of our personal favourites include La Moka on Peel St, Likuid in Topham Mall, Exchange Coffee in the East End, Elementary Coffee and My Kingdom for a Horse.
But to be honest, you can’t go too wrong around here so as soon as Ginnivan arrives, he should go for a wander and check out the hotel’s local.
ADELAIDE GUITAR FESTIVAL
South Australia is the festival state so a visit wouldn’t be complete without taking in a bit of culture.
In some fortuitous timing, our annual guitar festival launches on Thursday night, offering Ginnivan the opportunity to enjoy some of the world’s strummers right here in little old Adelaide.
Thursday night’s opening night shows include legendary flamenco guitarist Paco Peña at Hey Majesty’s Theatre and roots musician Jeff Lang at the Dunstan Playhouse.
NEXT GENERATION GYM OR SA’S TOP BEACHES
An avid swimmer, Ginnivan revealed this year that he enjoys a dip in an outdoor pool as a way to mentally prepare for a big clash.
Now, Next Generation Gym at Memorial Drive has had some rough publicity recently, but you can’t argue with its location, right next to Adelaide Oval.
And there’s a heated 25m outdoor pool that’s open all year round, with a sun terrace, landscaped gardens and complete with the Oval’s grandstands for the ultimate backdrop.
What better way to get the head right for Friday night?
If he prefers the open sea, Adelaide’s beaches have Melbourne’s covered, with Henley Beach and Glenelg among the best options (despite the cool weather predicted for Thursday).
ADELAIDE OVAL ROOFCLIMB
Have you been to Adelaide if you haven’t done the RoofClimb?
Everyone from US pop singer Pink to visiting sports stars and stage performers have completed the climb and raved about the incredible views.
Ginnivan’s better known for his work at ground level but admiring the Oval perched 50 metres above the hallowed turf is a nice way to get acquainted with the stadium.
We also know he loves to take a selfie, and you can’t get a more Instagrammable snap than from the top of the Riverbank stand as the sun sets on Adelaide.
What else should Jack Ginnivan do on Thursday in Adelaide? Tell us below.
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