Jack Ginnivan Eyes Coaching Box After Promising Playing Career
Hawthorn’s electrifying cult figure, Jack Ginnivan, is not just focused on dazzling AFL crowds with his trademark flair for the next decade. While the 23-year-old anticipates a long and impactful playing career, he’s already giving serious thought to his post-football aspirations, with a keen eye on a potential transition into coaching.
Sidelined temporarily by a fractured finger, Ginnivan recently gained valuable insight into the strategic side of the game, spending time in the coaches’ box alongside Sam Mitchell’s senior coaching team during the Hawks’ pre-season clash against Geelong. This hands-on experience has fuelled his interest in a future role within the coaching ranks.
“It can get pretty intense in there, but it’s definitely something I could see myself moving into after my playing days are over,” Ginnivan remarked. “Whether it’s as an assistant or even a head coach down the track, who knows? It was a really positive experience. I’m hoping to be out on the field for another ten years, so it’s a bit further down the track, but it’s something that genuinely sparks my interest. I have a deep love for the game, and learning from one of the best coaches in the business like Sam is an invaluable opportunity to soak up as much knowledge as possible.”
His teammate, Nick Watson, a fellow livewire for the Hawks, readily endorsed Ginnivan’s coaching potential. Watson described Ginnivan as a highly directive presence on the field, someone whose opinions are highly valued by the playing group.
“He can be quite vocal with me from the other side of the ground sometimes, giving me a spray,” Watson chuckled. “But he’s very direct, and when he speaks, everyone takes notice. He possesses a fantastic understanding of the game, and I genuinely believe he’d make a good coach. Of course, it’s still very early days, and we’re all hoping he continues to play for another decade, but the foundation is certainly there.”
Ginnivan has been able to maintain his fitness levels through running while his finger recovers from the injury sustained during an intra-club match simulation earlier this month.
Prior to the injury, Ginnivan had been in formidable form, showcasing his talent by booting five goals in a dominant performance that capped off an impressive pre-season training campaign. He is optimistic about his return to play, targeting either the Hawks’ Round 1 fixture against GWS on March 7, or potentially featuring in a pre-season hit-out against the Western Bulldogs on February 27.
“Things are progressing well,” Ginnivan stated. “It’s obviously a bit frustrating to get injured when I was feeling like I was playing some good football, but I’m really eager to get back out there for ‘zero-huddle’ [Round 0]. I’ve put a significant amount of effort into myself this year, striving to be the best I can be. It’s been a really positive start to the year, and I’m just focused on continuing that momentum.”
Adding to the positive outlook at Waverley Park, Ginnivan and Watson expressed their delight at reports that highly sought-after utility player Josh Weddle is on the verge of signing a new contract with Hawthorn, reportedly rebuffing significant interest from Essendon.
The Bombers were understood to have tabled a lucrative seven-year offer for Weddle, who was due to come out of contract at the end of the current season, with the deal rumoured to be worth approximately $10 million. However, the dynamic 21-year-old speedster is now expected to commit to a four-year extension with the Hawks, valued at around $1 million per season, which would see him reach unrestricted free agency at the conclusion of this new deal.
“We see the impact he has every single day at training; he brings so much energy and a real sense of camaraderie to the group,” Watson commented on Weddle’s impending re-signing. “There was a lot of noise about Essendon trying to lure him away, but we always knew he was a Hawthorn boy at heart. He’s incredibly fast, powerful, and has developed the ability to play through the midfield now. His versatility is a huge asset – he can play on a wing, at half-back, forward, and he has a great goal-kicking ability. He’s truly a special player with exceptional talent.”
