Hawthorn Star Jack Ginnivan Reflects on Controversial Shoulder Shrug Technique
Hawthorn star Jack Ginnivan has openly admitted that it is hard to watch highlights from his early playing days, when he frequently used a controversial shoulder shrugging technique to win free kicks. Ginnivan made his AFL debut for Collingwood in late 2021, but he truly burst onto the scene the following season, kicking an impressive 40 goals from 23 games.
The Rise and Controversy of a Young Talent
While Ginnivan regularly hit the scoreboard, he also quickly developed a habit of winning high-contact free kicks by shrugging his shoulders and lifting his arm up. This tactic became a defining feature of his early career, drawing significant ire from opposition fans and analysts alike. In response, the AFL eventually tweaked its rules, instructing umpires not to award free kicks if a player ducks into a tackle.
During a recent appearance on The Agenda Setters, Ginnivan was shown highlights from those early days. Yeah, it’s hard to watch that, he said. Even just getting it and straight away putting the arm up. The 23-year-old has since completely stamped this tactic out of his game, focusing on more fundamental aspects of play.
Transformation and Growth at Hawthorn
Ginnivan explained his evolution, stating, I think just driving my legs and being comfortable with the ball in hand, that’s a guy that doesn’t really want to fend off or use his hips or anything like that. He emphasized that this change started in training, where he began to fend off opponents and take people on, rather than relying on the shoulder shrug. Like I said, it’s hard to watch that. But I’m glad I got it out of my game.
After a standout 2022 season with Collingwood, Ginnivan experienced an indifferent 2023, marked by off-field controversies but culminating in a premiership medal. In a surprising move, he was traded to Hawthorn, where he has since developed into one of the competition's stars. Transitioning from a crafty forward pocket to a genuine hard-running winger, Ginnivan now racks up big possessions and rarely wastes them.
Mindset Shift and Future Aspirations
Ginnivan now holds a strong belief in his potential for greatness. I think the belief in myself that I can be a great footballer, he said. I think probably in the past, I thought that I could just be a good footballer and just kick goals, stay forward, but I really believe that I can leave a legacy at Hawthorn and be a great player. So, that’s been a big mindset change.
He credits teammate Dylan Moore as an inspiration for becoming a more impactful player away from goal. Under coach Sam Mitchell's guidance, Ginnivan adapted to a higher forward-midfield role, which required improved fitness and discipline. I think the wing role has suited me just because of my ability to read the play, he noted. So, that’s one of my great strengths, my footy IQ and stuff like that. So that’s been easy. But it is sometimes annoying when you’re sitting out on the wing and you really want to go in, but obviously team rules and the structure you’ve got to hold out.
Gratitude and New Beginnings
Despite a somewhat messy exit from Collingwood, Ginnivan holds no grudges and expresses happiness at Hawthorn, the club he supported growing up. Obviously a premiership player at the Pies and loved my time there and I’m so grateful for the Pies and have made great relationships there, he said. But it was an awkward conversation, I guess, but when you’ve seen love from Sam Mitchell and the Hawks being my childhood club, it’s a bit of a no-brainer.
