Hawthorn’s Mabior Chol expressed his disapproval of teammate Jack Ginnivan’s showboating as he scored an open goal during the Hawks’ recent 22-point victory. Chol conveyed his feelings in an interview, stating, “Look, I wasn’t a fan of it, to be honest. But it’s Ginnivan. What can you do? It’s him, it’s his personality.” In contrast, Melbourne captain Max Gawn took a more supportive stance on the matter, praising Ginnivan’s playful antics against the Western Bulldogs and acknowledging the importance of showcasing individual personalities in the game. Gawn, however, did caution that such behaviour could have repercussions, referencing a past instance where his teammate Brodie Grundy’s showboating led to negative outcomes for Melbourne.
Ginnivan responded to the unsavoury remarks surrounding his antics with a light-hearted message on social media, questioning why some are unable to enjoy the game and using playful emojis. He made a notable impact by winning the ball in the midfield and teasing Bulldog players before netting the goal that extended Hawthorn’s lead to 28 points.
Gawn further recognised that several players, including his teammate Kysaiah Pickett, often indulge in similarly cheeky displays, contending that Hawthorn thrives when players express themselves. Nevertheless, he reiterated the risks that accompany such celebrations, sharing past instances to highlight that confidence can sometimes backfire.
While Hawthorn’s victory stood unaffected by Ginnivan’s flair, the Bulldogs’ coach Luke Beveridge found amusement in Ginnivan’s behaviour, suggesting that the incident would likely be forgotten by his players in their next encounter with the Hawks. In a slightly evasive manner, Hawthorn’s coach Sam Mitchell sidestepped inquiries about the showboating, implying a desire to focus on more pressing matters without further discussing the situation.