Ginnivan was drafted by Collingwood with their first pick of the 2021 rookie draft, which was the 13th pick overall.[5] After kicking 11 goals over three matches in the Victorian Football League (VFL), including several four-goal games,[6] Ginnivan made his AFL debut against Port Adelaide in the nineteenth round of the 2021 AFL season, at Marvel Stadium.[7] He played in the last five games of the season, kicking six goals.[8]
2022: Breakout season
In the 2022 Anzac Day match, in just his tenth career game, Ginnivan kicked five goals and won the Anzac Medal as best on ground,[9] as well as the Rising Star nomination for round 6.[10] As his second season progressed, he quickly became a high-profile and controversial player, after gaining a reputation among media and rival spectators for ducking or shrugging into high tackles to win free kicks,[11] and later admitting to doing so deliberately and even practising the technique in an unusually frank interview.[12]
Ginnivan was booed by rival fans for much of the end of his second season – including an infamous incident when Sydney fans booed him after he had left the game with injury, drawing considerable scorn towards those fans in the media.[13]
2023: Premiership and move to Hawthorn
In the summer of 2023, Ginnivan was on a training tour with Collingwood in Torquay, where he was caught taking illicit substances in the hotel bathroom.[14] He was given a two-game ban and missed games against Geelong and Port Adelaide.[15]
Ginnivan played only 14 of the club's 26 games, making his first appearance of the season in round 5 against St Kilda, kicking one goal from 13 disposals.[16] He continued to appear in and out of the side throughout the season, and kicked a total of 12 goals, with a season high of three goals against Essendon in round 24.[17]
Ginnivan played as the substitute for Collingwood's two finals games before earning his spot in the starting 22 for the grand final.[18] Ginnivan became a premiership player in Collingwood's win over Brisbane Lions by four points, amassing seven disposals and one behind on the day.
Following the grand final, Ginnivan requested a trade to Hawthorn, and was traded on 18 October.[19]
2024: First season as a Hawk
Ginnivan has impressed in his first season with Hawthorn. He has played a different role, providing a valuable connection from the midfield into attack. While Ginnivan has kicked less goals than his standout season as a pure small forward in 2022, he has collected more possessions, been involved in more scores, and all around been a damaging presence to opposition teams, with forward 50 entries a highlight for the young player.
In Round 19 coming up against his old side, Ginnivan collected 31 disposals for 417 metres gained and kicked 2 goals in a best on ground performance, cementing himself as a key player in Hawthorn's revival.
^Williams, Peter (25 August 2021). "2020 AFL Draft standouts: North Melbourne & Collingwood". Aussie Rules Draft Central. Talented forward Jack Ginnivan also grabbed his opportunity late in the season, coming in and playing the last five games of the year and slotting six goals, including three against Hawthorn.
^Hope, Shayne (25 April 2022). "Ginnivan shines in Pies' AFL win over Dons". The West Australian. Teen sensation Jack Ginnivan has slotted a career-best five goals to help lift Collingwood to an 11-point win over Essendon in an enthralling Anzac Day encounter.
Anzac Medals were awarded from 2000 onwards, with medals for the first five matches awarded retrospectively. No Anzac Day match was played in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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