Jack Ginnivan opens up on life as a Hawk and the ‘really good chat’ with Craig McRae

Former Magpie turned Hawk Jack Ginnivan opened up on being traded from the premiers as he cast his eye over the fields at Moonee Valley.

Hawk Jack Ginnivan was among the punters for the Cox Plate on Saturday. Picture: Mark Stewart

New Hawthorn recruit Jack Ginnivan says he will be “bonded for life” to his Collingwood premiership teammates but is moving on.

While Hawthorn is the 20-year-old’s new footy home, Moonee Valley Racecourse has become his favourite off field haunt.

As the Cox Plate Eve Ambassador, Ginnivan was at the track on Friday night and backed up on Saturday for the time honoured Cox Plate with a posse of mates including Hawk teammate Finn Maginness.

Joining Hawthorn was a dream come true, he said.

“It is good. I’ve got Finn Maginness up there (in the Moonee Valley grandstand), so I’ve already made some friends. It is an amazing, a childhood dream, so I am super stoked.”

Jack Ginnivan in his new colours.

But he’ll always be a Collingwood premiership player. Picture: Michael Klein

He added it was emotional to part ways with his Collingwood mates.

“Obviously it is sad. I’ve got all my best mates there and won a flag there, but I am excited for the new chapter and stoked to be on board at Hawthorn.”

Ginnivan said he and Collingwood coach Craig McRae has spoken since his stunning departure from the Magpies amid the afterglow of the club’s premiership win over Brisbane.

“We had a phone call after the trade went through and it was a really good chat, we chatted about the past and how we won a flag together and we will always be bonded for life, so I appreciate everything Fly has done for me,” he said.

On top of the world. Picture: Darrian Traynor

He added the Magpie army’s support had meant a lot to him.

“Massive thank you to the Magpie army, (I’ve) been through thick and thin with them and they are always backing me in, so hopefully it translates to the Hawthorn fans,” he said.

“I know they are already backing me in and love me, so fingers crossed it is going to be super exciting to play with them.”

Ginnivan is making the most of his footy off season with a recent trip to Bali and a break in Byron planned where he will catch up with his former teammate Nathan Murphy.

He is also hoping to one day soon be at Moonee Valley to see his own horses run.

“I have got two but they have not run yet, it is in the works,” he said.