AFL 2022: Collingwood are trying to take the focus off Jack Ginnivan and his lack of free kicks

Collingwood is trying to move on from the focus on Jack Ginnivan but it’s proving hard.

Mason Redman tackles Jack Ginnivan . Picture: Mark Stewart

Collingwood coach Craig McRae is continuing to work with livewire forward Jack Ginnivan as the spotlight intensifies on him but declared he has “moved on” from the outrage over a missed free kick in last Sunday’s win over Essendon.

McRae spoke to AFL umpire spoke directly to league football operations boss Brad Scott after the non-call for a high-shot on Ginnivan from Bomber defender Mason Redman was declared an error.

The non-call drew fierce criticism from prominent figures, including AFL legend Leigh Matthews, who said he “felt sick” about the treatment of Ginnivan by umpires after he became the poster-boy for players dropping their shoulders to draw high contact.

Ginnivan added fuel to the fire, albeit briefly, changing his Instagram profile picture to one of Redman appearing to have him in a headlock.

On Wednesday McRae said he respected Matthews’ opinion but didn’t want to elevate attention on Ginnivan any more than already existed as they continued to work with the 19-year-old on being the best player he can be.

“I respect Leigh‘s opinion, I always will,” McRae said.

“But in terms of Jack‘s situation ... some of them get paid, some aren’t going to get paid.

“Jack‘s got a bit of a spotlight on this incident, if you like, and it’s a work in progress.

"Every other player in the competition would have got that free kick...I felt sick (watching him not be given the free kick.)"

- Leigh Matthews on Jack Ginnivan

— Sportsday (@SportsdayRadio) July 26, 2022

“It’s a hard game to play (and) he’s getting a lot of attention because he’s been a good player for us. It’s part and parcel of a young guy trying to find his way in his career.

“The opposition want to take something away from us - if they see a chink in your armour, they’ll go at it - and we do the same against opposition.

“We’re trying to work our way through that with Jack.”

Mason Redman ackles Jack Ginnivan high. Picture: Mark Stewart

McRae said his conversation Scott was enough to give him comfort the situation had been rectified.

“He said it was a free kick and we move on,” McRae said.

The first-year coach also threw his support behind Ginnivan’s teammate, Mason Cox, who took aim at the AFL via social media this week claiming the league “blatantly ignored” Redman‘s high tackle and were putting him at risk of injury.

“I love how we support our players,” McRae said.

“We want to care for our players, and I want to do the same. We‘ve got to love and protect our players.”