Jack Ginnivan, the dynamic forward for Hawthorn, is likely facing a fine following an incident after his team’s recent defeat to Adelaide. During the match at Adelaide Oval, where the Hawks lost by 14 points in front of a crowd of 50,654, Ginnivan was spotted giving the middle finger to a Crows supporter as he exited the field. In response to a video of the incident circulating on Instagram, the 22-year-old cheekily commented, “Best coin spent.”
Throughout the game, Ginnivan demonstrated his skill by winning possession at a stoppage and scoring a goal, which was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd. He concluded the match with 20 disposals and one goal to his name.
This is not the first instance of AFL players facing penalties for unsportsmanlike gestures. Earlier this season, Harley Reid, a former number one draft pick, was fined $1,000 for a similar gesture towards Brisbane fans. In another case, Bailey Smith, a star midfielder for Geelong, also received a $1,000 fine for giving the double finger to an opposition fan after a game. Furthermore, Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick was fined $2,000 after he directed a middle finger at an umpire during a match against GWS.
As the incidents suggest, the AFL remains vigilant about player conduct on and off the field, and Ginnivan’s actions may lead to disciplinary action in line with the league’s policies on unsportsmanlike behaviour.