Jack Ginnivan trade from Collingwood to Melbourne, premiership star, opens up, latest

Hawthorn recruit Jack Ginnivan insists there is no “bad blood” between him and Collingwood as he talks about his “dream come true” to the team he supported when he was a child.

The 20-year-old was unveiled in his new colors at Waverley on Thursday after his explosive trade deadline. Ginnivan’s decision came after several rebuttals from Collingwood that the opener was shopping or exploring a move.

Ginnivan joined Hawthorn after struggling to cement his place as a Magpies regular this year before the arrival of Lachie Schultz from Fremantle, which gave Collingwood another small forward to choose from.

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But as reality set in after a “pretty crazy” fortnight, Ginnivan – still admittedly in “holiday mode” – struggled to contain his excitement at the prospect of joining Hawthorn.

Speaking to the Hawthorn media, Ginnivan said he was very excited to play alongside many of his childhood heroes, but perhaps even more so, to be coached by his favorite player Sam Mitchell, whose number he wore on his back growing up.

“It’s a dream come true to finally don the maroon and gold,” Ginnivan said.

“One of my favorite players was Sam (Mitchell). Growing up and watching him and having his number on your back, those are the things you dream of as a little kid and to have that happen is so special.

Ginnivan also spoke of Hawthorn’s “young core” which filled him with enthusiasm after leaving the premiers.

The Hawks may have finished in 16th place in the standings, but they showed rapid improvement over the second half of the year to put themselves on track to quickly exit rebuild mode.

“I also think about the young core and the enthusiasm with which the boys play,” he said.

“They are always quick when moving the football. People like CJ (Changkuoth Jiath), Dyl Moore, they’re so exciting to watch and it’s going to be awesome to be a part of.

The opportunity to join a powerful forward line and play alongside veteran Luke Breust – a player Ginnivan models his own game after – was another aspect of the move that filled him with excitement.

“Luke Breust has also been one of my idols since I was little. I always wanted to play like him,” he said.

“I copied his goalstyle routine, so it will be nice to stand next to him in the forward line with Mitch Lewis… And be able to score a few goals from a few crumbs.”

The Hawks have been busy during the trade period, with Ginnivan being one of six deals made at the deadline. He joins Jack Gunston, Mabior Chol and Massimo D’Ambrosio as new arrivals at Waverley Park for the 2024 season.

Dual premiership Kangaroo David King said Ginnivan was shaping up to be a ‘steal’ trade period for the Hawks, but warned the Magpie premiership needed to ‘be more back page, less front page’ in his new club.

“I like the guy. I like the way he plays,” King said. Trading day.

“He’s had a fantastic few years… It’s easy to just dismiss this guy and say ‘oh, he’s been a problem’ – all good players have been a problem!”