Collingwood maintain they are at ease with their decision to let Jack Ginnivan go, but the premiership star’s performance for Hawthorn on Saturday will have fans wondering if the Magpies made the right call.
Ginnivan was one of the Hawks’ best, finishing with two goals and 17 touches, on a day the Hawks were overrun by Essendon, falling to an entertaining four-goal loss before 73,865 at the MCG, 17.5 (107) to 11.17 (83).
Dream come true: Jack Ginnivan stepped out for Hawthorn, the team he grew up barracking for, on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
The on-field lightning rod was at his destructive best, delivering a successful left-foot snap among his nine disposals in the first term, complete with a theatrical point-to-the-head celebration when facing the crowd, reprising that of star Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford.
“He has done that. I am trying to get a photo up,” Ginnivan said post-match.
Rashford regularly raises a finger to his temple as a sign of the clearer headspace he has under United manager Erik ten Hag.
“I feel like I’ve gone all in on myself and tried to improve. I feel like I am fitter. I am still adapting to the new system, the way we play. We play a very fast tempo,” Ginnivan said.
Asked if he will continue with that celebration, Ginnivan responded: “A one-off – a new celebration every goal, hopefully.”
The celebration came after many Essendon fans jeered him whenever he touched the ball, an issue which plagued him at Collingwood. Ginnivan said the crowd reaction didn’t have a great impact.