AFL Trade 2023: Jack Ginnivan a Hawk after Hawthorn and Collingwood agree to swap future picks
Despite suggestions from Jack Ginnivan’s camp that the forward was shopped by the Pies, Collingwood football manager Graham Wright says Ginnivan wanted out.
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Collingwood says it was Jack Ginnivan who decided to jump ship to Hawthorn in the face of tougher competition for spots next year.
The Magpies on Wednesday hit back at claims that Collingwood shopped him around, saying there was “not one” conversation with rivals about his availability until the forward met with the Hawks.
Magpies’ football boss Graham Wright urged fans to remain respectful when Collingwood played Hawthorn next year, but said it was clearly Ginnivan’s call to walk
“It was Jack’s decision to look elsewhere and in the end, we appreciate that. We accept it and we move on,” Wright said.
“It was yesterday afternoon we got word he had met with Hawthorn and was considering a move.
“We considered it overnight, he did (too) overnight, and we did a deal this morning.
“We are all big boys, it is a professional game and it is what it is. There are conversations happening all around the place, and we were fine.”
Hawthorn list manager Mark McKenzie said the club had to “fast-track” discussions behind the scenes as the situation with Ginnivan developed quickly this week.
McKenzie was adamant coach Sam Mitchell wanted Ginnivan to be himself on and off the field.
“He was a positional need, he was a talent, he is young, he impacts the scoreboard,” McKenzie said.
“Coming from a successful club, those are the types of players you need to look at. Those guys who have been in and out a little bit.”
Hawthorn landed Ginnivan, who was a Hawthorn fan growing up, to replace small forward Tyler Brockman.
Collingwood was pleased with its return for Ginnivan, netting pick 33, a future-second and a future third-round pick.
Hawthorn gained 39 and a future second and future-fourth from the Pies as well as the 20-year-old goal kicker.
The Castlemaine product will receive a handy pay rise in brown and gold after signing a four-year contract to join Sam Mitchell’s side.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Ginnivan said “what a f---ing ride, thank you everyone that made it elite”.
But he was clearly in for a big fight to keep his spot at Collingwood next year after the club secured Fremantle small forward Lachie Schultz on Monday.
The Magpies forward line is stacked for small forwards next year with Norm Smith Medalist Bobby Hill, Beau McCreery, Jamie Elliott and Schultz set to lead their premiership defence inside 50m.
North Melbourne champion Wayne Carey on Wednesday said Ginnivan should have been motivated to fight for his spot.
“If your club gets a player that plays your position? That should always be used as motivation to have the best preseason you’ve ever had,” Carey tweeted.
“Difference between being good and great? Nothing beats hard work.”
Wright also weighed into Ginnivan’s decision to head to the races the night before the thrilling grand final win over Brisbane Lions, saying it was a surprising move.
“Players can pick and choose what they want to do, obviously it is a little bit unusual the day before a grand final. But it wasn’t the end of the world either,” Wright said.
The club said there was no angst in the exit meeting, but rather some encouragement to remain hungry, humble and come back fit so he was “ready to go” for the preseason.
“It was not dissimilar to a lot of exits we had,” Wright said.
Wright urged Collingwood fans to treat Ginnivan fairly when they meet next season.
His ducking tactics have annoyed opposition fans, and the clash against Hawthorn next season is certain to attract a blockbuster crowd at the MCG.
“I hope they show him the respect he deserves,” Wright said.
“He’s a premiership player and we’re hoping it goes well for him there. Just not when he plays us.”
The premiership forward kicked 58 goals over 42 games in three seasons since he was recruited to Collingwood as a rookie.
Done deal: Complicated pick slide gets Ginni to Hawks
– Jon Ralph
Hawthorn has secured Collingwood premiership Jack Ginnivan in a complicated pick slide with Hawthorn that sees the Hawks pick 33 slide to 39 with a trade of future picks.
Ginnivan has agreed to move to the Hawks to play under Sam Mitchell and the club will believe it has not overpaid for him in the trade.
Hawthorn hands over pick 33, the club’s future second-round pick and future third-round pick.
Collingwood hands over pick 39, the club’s future second-round pick and the club’s future fourth-round pick.
It means the Hawks remain in the second round of the national draft as they also prepare to secure the Lions’ future second-round pick for mid-season draftee Brandon Ryan.
The Hawks will on-trade that selection to the Suns for Mabior Chol, as they complete a busy trade period.
It means Ginnivan will move to the Hawks and likely play in his No. 33 jumper – which was vacated at the Hawks by Tyler Brockman.
But they have not given up the world for Ginnivan and have secured excellent compensation for Ryan, who only moved to the club a matter of months ago.
The Hawks will then be able to secure Jack Gunston to play as a key forward, having offered pick 63 for Essendon’s Massimo D’Ambrosio.
He could also be picked up as a free agent if the Dons do not agree to accept that pick given he has been offered a third-year rookie contract at Essendon. Collingwood football boss Graham Wright said the Pies believed Ginnivan had a bright future but accepted he wanted a fresh start.
“We appreciate and accept Jack’s decision to seek further opportunity at Hawthorn,” Wright said.
“Jack’s contribution over the last three years has been significant and includes being a member of the 2023 Premiership team, which he’ll always be a part of. Jack is still only 20-years-old and has a lot of football ahead of him. On behalf of everyone at Collingwood we wish Jack well in all his future endeavours.”
Hawthorn list boss Mark McKenzie said the Hawks believed Ginnivan had a massive upside after kicking 40 goals in his second year and winning a flag in his third season at the Pies.
“We couldn’t be happier that Jack wanted to come to Hawthorn – a club he’s loved since he was a kid,” McKenzie said.
“We love the way he goes about his footy, he’s a clever forward that hits the scoreboard and generates a lot of energy on the field.
“Having just won a premiership at 20 years of age, we believe he’s only scratched the surface of his potential, and we can’t wait to see just how high he can elevate his game at Hawthorn in the years to come.”
Ginnivan posted on Instagram hours after his trade went through thanking Pies fans.
“What a f***ing ride, thank you everyone that made it elite,” the Instagram story read.
Originally published as AFL Trade 2023: Jack Ginnivan a Hawk after Hawthorn and Collingwood agree to swap future picks
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