How Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan is taking Cats champion Joel Selwood’s advice on head-high frees

It’s been an emotional week for Jack Ginnivan, at the centre of another furore around high free kicks while preparing to go up against his old. He talks through it with GLENN McFARLANE.

Jack Ginnivan throws a dart towards coach Sam Mitchell in celebration of a goal. Picture: Michael Klein

Exciting Hawthorn small forward Jack Ginnivan has vowed to “drive” his feet in tackles as much as he can after heeding the advice of Geelong great Joel Selwood, saying he wants to be the best player he can for his new club.

Just moments after he and the Hawks almost engineered a stunning comeback against Collingwood only to fall five points short, Ginnivan said he was already feeling at home and optimistic about the future.

He conceded it had been an emotional week leading into a match-up against his premiership teammates from last year, along with a head-high tackle controversy that saw the AFL admit the umpires had erred in not paying him several decisions on Easter Monday.

“I heard Joel Selwood’s comments during the week, and he (was) a professional at it, so if I can take a few words (of advice) from him, it would be a smart idea for myself,” Ginnivan told this masthead.

Jack Ginnivan throws a dart towards coach Sam Mitchell in celebration of a goal. Picture: Michael Klein

“I think the rain helped me a bit last week (against Geelong). It was very congested. I was in and under. This week I was just trying to drive my legs … (I) didn’t drop my knees (in) the first one or roll the arm over and that’s why I got the free kick.

“I am going to continue to do that, and be a better player in that regard.”

Selwood said on Channel 7’s Talking Footy last week: “My advice to Jack, and being in that position a number of times … it wasn’t ever to not continue the play.”

“I always looked for an exit point but also at the same time you’ve got to drive your legs, you’ve got to be stronger than the tackler. Make sure that you try and fight through.”

Ginnivan, 21, kicked two goals, had 11 disposals against the Magpies, and almost set up the matchwinner when he handballed to Connor Macdonald, whose shot at goal just missed.

He revealed his first goal “throwing a dart” celebration came from Sam Mitchell, via the coach’s off-season trip to Tottenham Hotspurs.

“Sam went to Tottenham in the off-season and (Hotspur) James Maddison throws a dart (as) his celebration,” Ginnivan said. “I just threw it (the dart) up to Sam.”

Ginnivan’s trade to Hawthorn just weeks after playing in Collingwood’s premiership was one of the stories of the off-season which made Sunday night’s twilight fixture at Adelaide Oval compelling theatre.

Added to that pressure was the controversy surrounding the AFL’s free kick concession, but he said it was mostly “water off a duck’s back.”

“I am very good at coping with things that come my way,” he said. “I have an amazing support group around me. I had dinner with Isaac Quaynor during the week, and we just talked about the game. We are best mates.

“I have a great family and my best mates to help me.”

Isaac Quaynor and Jack Ginnivan of the Hawks clash during the Pies’ win over the Hawks. The pair had dinner during the week. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

As disappointed as he was that the Hawks couldn’t close out a big comeback, Ginnivan said the future was bright for the young side.

“I have amazing belief in this group,” he said. “Unfortunately, we just got pipped on the line.”

“We are so optimistic. We saw a few things that worked today … ‘Dimma’ (Blake Hardwick) going forward, our beast Jai Newcombe back to his best, Dylan Moore is just a superstar, and Lloyd Meek was good.

“It was so fun to play out there, but a little bit disappointing because we want to take those next steps and win those sorts of games.”

Originally published as How Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan is taking Cats champion Joel Selwood’s advice on head-high frees