AFL news 2024: All the injury news and analysis ahead of round 19

Jack Ginnivan was disappointed to face his old team for the first time in Adelaide during Gather Round but his chance to return from injury to play against the Pies at the G are firming.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 30: Jack Ginnivan of the Hawks in possession during the round 16 AFL match between West Coast Eagles and Hawthorn Hawks at Optus Stadium, on June 30, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)

Hawthorn goalsneak Jack Ginnivan is firmly in the frame to face his old side Collingwood after taking part in training on Monday.

The Hawks recruit has missed the last two weeks due to a crack in his fibula, an injury he copped in a win over West Coast in round 16.

Ginnivan joined in training on Monday as the Hawks ticked the legs over following Saturday’s win over Fremantle, with the forward participating in run throughs.

He will have to get through main training later this week to prove himself for Saturday’s clash.

Jack Ginnivan is looking more likely to face the Pies on the weekend after overcoming a cracked fibula. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Collingwood premiership player, who crossed to Hawthorn late last year, was determined from the moment of the injury to get back in time for the blockbuster at the MCG.

Ginnivan played against his old side back in round 5 but that game was played at Adelaide Oval as part of Gather Round, so he is yet to play in front of Magpie fans.

Ever the showman, Ginnivan said in the lead up to Gather Round that he wished the game was in Melbourne.

“They (AFL) probably shouldn’t put it at the ‘G in front of 90,000, but they chose Gather Round in Adelaide for some reason,” he told the Tommy Talks podcast.

Ginnivan kicked two goals from 11 touches in that game and was at his antagonistic best with his former teammates.

His return would be a welcome boost for the Hawks, who will also debate whether to start James Sicily forward or back after the skipper switched ends against Fremantle and booted three crucial goals.

Sicily is open to playing as a forward as he regains complete strength in his wounded shoulder.

Given Hawthorn’s poor percentage of 95.4, the Hawks likely need to win five of their last six games to make an unlikely finals appearance, making the Collingwood clash a vital game.

The Magpies have lost their last three and also need a win, having tumbled to 12th on the ladder.

Collingwood will be without Lachie Schultz (concussion) on Saturday.

Originally published as AFL news 2024: All the injury news and analysis ahead of round 19