FridayOL

Hawthorn's electric goalsneak, Jack Ginnivan, has finally broken his silence on the dramatic goal celebration that sparked debate after the Hawks' impressive victory over the Western Bulldogs. The moment, occurring in the final term, saw Ginnivan seemingly taunt Bulldogs players as he slotted the ball into an open goal, prompting widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike.

Now, in a candid post-match interview, Ginnivan has shed light on his actions, revealing it was more a spontaneous outpouring of excitement than a deliberate attempt to provoke. “It all happened pretty quickly, to be honest,” Ginnivan explained. “We were building momentum, the crowd was going wild, and I just got caught up in the moment. It was all a bit of fun, really. I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful to the Bulldogs.”

The celebration, captured vividly by cameras, showed Ginnivan gesturing towards the Bulldogs’ defenders before calmly placing the ball through the posts. While some interpreted this as unsportsmanlike conduct, Ginnivan maintains his intentions were purely celebratory. “Look, I understand why people might have seen it differently,” he conceded. “But I wouldn’t change anything. It was a huge moment for the team, and I was just letting my emotions show.”

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has also backed his young star, stating that while he encourages his players to celebrate, he also expects them to do so with respect. “Jack is a passionate player, and he plays with a lot of energy,” Mitchell said. “We talk to him about managing his emotions, but sometimes, in the heat of the moment, things happen. He’s a young man learning the game, and I’m sure he’ll continue to grow and develop.”

The win against the Bulldogs was a significant one for Hawthorn, signaling a potential resurgence for the club. Ginnivan’s contribution, both on the scoreboard and with his memorable celebration, undoubtedly played a part in the victory. The Hawks will be looking to build on this momentum as they head into the next round of the AFL season.

The controversy surrounding Ginnivan’s celebration has undoubtedly added another layer of intrigue to the AFL landscape. Whether you see it as a harmless display of youthful exuberance or a disrespectful act, one thing is certain: Jack Ginnivan knows how to generate a reaction. And in the world of Australian Rules Football, that's a valuable asset.

Hear the full post-match chat with Jack Ginnivan in the video above!