Bleached blonde hair, a knack for drawing controversial free kicks, and playing for the most hated club in the AFL? Jack Ginnivan seemed to be primed for a career at the Magpies. The Magpie Army loved him, everyone else seemingly was against him, but isn't that just what the Collingwood Football Club has prided itself on since its inception?
The 20-year-old fit the mould of a Collingwood player of old, the type of player you could expect to be a part of the infamous 'Rat Pack'. Despite his popularity with Magpie fans, the once cult hero requested a move to Hawthorn and was officially traded on the last day of this year's trade period.
So the big question is, what's next for Jack Ginnivan?
He seems to have all the potential in the world, but there's been a similar case in recent memory. Former Magpie Jaidyn Stephenson had an outstanding debut season with the club, booting 38 goals in 26 games. The then 19-year-old won the Rising Star Award after an impressive debut season. In his second year at the Pies, Stephenson's career hit a bit of a wall.
After playing to a similar level as his first season, Stephenson was suspended for the final 10 games of the season after it was revealed he placed bets on AFL games.
After playing one final season for the Pies in 2020, Stephenson was traded to North Melbourne, where he currently plays.
Ginnivan was suspended internally by the club at the start of the 2023 season after it was revealed he took banned substances in the off-season. Whilst he was ultimately able to bounce back, largely due in part to support from the fans, Ginnivan's story has a similar ring to it as Stephenson's.
Although Ginnivan was loved by seemingly all Magpie fans, it can easily be argued that his output didn't warrant his praise. After a stellar 2022 campaign, the 20-year-old struggled on the field after his early suspension. He played in the sub role for the majority of the year and only managed to kick multiple goals in four games for the year.
In 14 appearances, Ginnivan booted 12 goals, a significant drop in comparison to last year. With the Magpies adding Fremantle forward Lachlan Schultz into the mix, Ginnivan's chances of appearing in the side in 2024 seemed slimmer. Collingwood is currently spoiled for choice in the small forward department. Veteran Jamie Elliot, Beau McCreery, 2023 Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill, and now new recruit Schultz would all be ahead of Ginnivan in the pecking order.
Despite Pies fans feeling a mixture of outrage and sadness, Ginnivan's departure won't leave a hole in the side in 2024.
Looking towards his future role, Ginnivan effectively fills a needed small forward void at the Hawks. Tyler Brockman played 15 games in 2023 before moving to West Coast during the trade period.
The ex-Magpie averaged very similar statistics to Brockman this past year, most notably the pair both averaged just shy of a goal per game.
The Hawks were very busy during this year's rendition of the trade period. As previously mentioned, Brockman departed the club after making it clear he wanted to go to Western Australia. Additionally, forward Jacob Koschitzke requested a trade to Richmond which was accepted by the Hawks, along with Brandon Ryan's move to the Lions.
Hawthorn wasted no time in finding their suitable replacements. Beloved triple premiership player Jack Gunston returned to the Hawks after an injury-riddled stint at the Lions. Ex-Tiger and now former Sun Mabior Chol moved to Waverly Park, fringe Bomber Massimo D'Ambrosio also heads to the club, and, of course,ย Ginnivan makes up the last of four inclusions.
Whilst they finished in 16th this season, it can easily be argued that the Hawks have the most potential out of any of the bottom four sides. Their midfield, on their day, is as good as any in the competition. The once very young core is slowly but surely maturing into a dominant force.
The problems? Their forward line seemed a little uncertain before, during and even after the trade period, not knowing whether they've fixed any major flaws.
A case can be made for their Sicily-reliant back six, especially after missing out on Ben McKay, however, it is far from the worst in the competition.
The Hawks seem primed and ready to take the next step in their journey, they're much better than a 16th-placed side. Ginnivan will have a massive role to play in the Hawks' resurgence. He's no Cyril Rioli, but kicking a couple of goals a game and adding some forward pressure will make a massive difference.
For Ginnivan himself, he won't have to worry about competing for his spot in the side like he did at the Pies. In saying that, could this possibly be his downfall? Without competition, in theory, his drive to play could decline which in turn might damage his output. He stepped up massively towards the end of 2023 with the Magpies due to his need to perform to hold a role in the team.
Without that competition, Ginnivan could end up as a 'one-season wonder' of sorts. It's happened plenty of times before and it will continue to happen as long as footy is played. It's a matter of attitude and being in the right environment to grow. Hopefully for the 20-year-old, playing at his boyhood club may add some spark to his career.
The youngster has all the talent in the world, it'd be a shame if he wasted it.
