Jack Ginnivan act in Hawthorn win divides the footy world
Jack Ginnivan was at his antagonising best on Thursday night, producing a cocky act that divided footy fans watching on.
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Polarising Hawthorn star Jack Ginnivan was at his antagonising best against the Bulldogs on Thursday night.
The Hawks bounced back from some poor recent form to secure a strong 12.9 (81) to 8.11 (59) victory over the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
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After the Dogs closed a 23-point deficit down to 16 points at the last change, Ginnivan showed a moment of magic to re-establish Hawthorn’s advantage.
Just over five minutes into the final quarter, the 22-year-old won possession with a clever tap forward and had acres of space ahead of him as he charged into the forward line.
Dwayne Russell’s commentary of the passage of play on Fox Footy largely summed up the view from many on the Collingwood premiership winner.
Watch the goal in the video player above
“Ginnivan, that was clever,” he said. “He looks around, has a bounce, has another, they run to paradise for Ginnivan.
“He shows the ball and slams it into the second deck.
“You’ve gotta love him, even if you hate him.”
After the game, Leigh Montagna was asked about the act.
“I don’t think there’s any need for it,” he said. “He’s just setting himself up for when he does fail.
“Tonight no problem because they win, he’s played well and it’s all OK, I just don’t think he needs to do it.”
why everyone wanna be so serious, bro can't have fun. 🦕🦕
— Jack Ginnivan (@GinnivanJack) June 5, 2025
Fox Footy’s Cam Mooney asked Hawthorn’s Mabior Chol about Ginnivan’s antics, and he confessed he wasn’t a fan of his teammate’s celebration.
“Look, I wasn’t a fan of it to be honest,” Chol said.
“But it’s Ginnivan, what can you do. It’s him, it’s his personality. He’s had a massive few weeks, hopefully he can have a well earned rest (in Hawthorn’s bye).”
As always, Ginnivan also generated plenty of commentary on social media after his cheeky move.
“How can people like Ginnivan?” was one comment on X.
“Ginnivan summing up exactly why most people love it when the Hawks get beat. What a toss,” said another.
“Ginnivan might be the biggest knob in the AFL,” declared a third.
“I love this performance but just hate that by Ginnivan. We’ve lost 3 in a row, show some respect to your opponent,” said a Hawthorn fan.
Others were loving the cocky move from the young forward.
One wrote: “I love Jack Ginnivan.”
A second added: “The most Ginnivan goal ever.”
Some fans were quickly reminded of a similar moment from Port Adelaide’s 30-point win over the Hawks back on April 13.
Late in the final term, Willie Rioli showed the ball in very similar fashion to Ginnivan before slamming through a match sealing goal.
That move didn’t sit well with a number of Hawthorn fans, leaving plenty to ask the same question on Thursday night.
“Didn’t hawks have a sook when Rioli did this to them a few weeks back?” was one question on X.
“So are the Hawks fans gonna sook for a week after Ginnivan showed the ball to the opposition like they did when Rioli did it?” posed another.
“After the crap Willie Rioli copped from Hawks fans for showing “disrespect”, I hope you are equally as quick to admonish Ginnivan … or does it only work one way?” asked a third.
Regardless of your take on the Ginnivan moment, it was an important victory for Hawthorn, following three straight defeats for Sam Mitchell’s side.
Ginnivan finished with two goals, 23 disposals and six marks, while Jai Newcombe had 27 touches and 10 clearances and Mabior Chol added four goals.
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