Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell admits he had 'no issue' with Jack Ginnivan's pub antics on eve of final
Updated . First published at
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has defended forward Jack Ginnivan's pub antics on the eve of their elimination final against the Bulldogs.
The Hawks managed to snatch a commanding 37-point win over the Dogs at the MCG on Friday night, with Ginnivan kicking two goals.
On Thursday night, Ginnivan was spotted at Richmond pub, the London Tavern.
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It follows his strange preparation for the 2023 grand final, when the then-Collingwood forward was caught at the Moonee Valley races.
At the time, Ginnivan said he was "on the waters" and was in bed by 10pm. The next day, he went on to win a premiership with the Pies.
Jack Ginnivan of the Hawks celebrates a goal with a beer drinking ode to his antics at the pub on Thursday night. AFL Photos via Getty Images
After his night at the pub, Ginnivan took to his X account to share a picture of his bedside table, with a cup of tea and candle lit.
The next morning, Ginnivan took to his X account again, to share a tweet, stating, "just gone for a walk", alongside a breaking news gif.
Ginnivan went on to collect 15 disposals alongside that goal, in which he celebrated accordingly, motioning himself drinking a beer in an ode to his pub night.
Post match, Mitchell laughed off suggestions that the Hawks were upset with Ginnivan's decision.
Jack Ginnivan after the pub. Getty
"Absolutely (a non-issue). I didn't ask, I probably should have. I wonder how many players went out for dinner to a public place last night? I would guess maybe half," Mitchell said post match.
"I think most of us have watched Friday night footy or watched Thursday night footy at a public venue for the majority of the year."
Mitchell confirmed he was satisfied with Ginnivan's contribution.
"(Ginnivan) played well, he lives how he lives, and I knew about it," he said.
Jack Ginnivan and Nick Watson celebrate their elimination final win. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"As long as he went home around the halftime mark, then I was going to be pretty happy with what he's doing.
"It's no issue for me at all."
The Hawks will now face Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in the semi final.
The last time the Power and Hawks met, Port Adelaide snagged victory from the jaws of defeat, with Darcy Byrne-Jones kicking the winner with just 11 seconds left on the clock in the final term.
The winner of their match will progress to a preliminary final against Sydney or GWS.
