Jack Ginnivan’s growth as a footballer continues after the energetic livewire led a 66-point rout of Collingwood which leaves the reigning premiers’ flag defence hanging by a thread.
Ginnivan starred against his former club on return from two weeks out with a hairline fracture of his fibula in the Hawks’ dominant 20.13 (133) to 9.13 (67) victory on Saturday at a rain-drenched MCG.
The 21-year-old, who featured in the Magpies’ flag-winning side last year, amassed career-high tallies of 31 disposals and four clearances in the best of his 58 games to date.
He also kicked two goals, sparking wild celebrations when he struck in the third and fourth quarters as Hawthorn ran rampant in front of 74,171 fans and gave their finals hopes a massive boost in the process.
After his second goal, Ginnivan made a sleep gesture – suggesting it was bedtime for his opponents.
After his third-term goal he kissed the Hawthorn badge on his jersey – prompting booing from some Collingwood fans.
AFL fans watching at home were quick to criticise Collingwood supporters for targeting their former star
‘Collingwood fans booing Ginnivan is absolutely hilarious. The same fan base that was incensed when others booed him incessantly when he played for them and vociferously defended him,’ posted one fan to X.
Another posted: ‘Pies fans last year: don’t boo Ginnivan, it’s bad for his mental health. Pies fans this year: booooo.’
‘That’s them. Filthy,’ replied a third. 
‘Ginnivan owning Collingwood and their supporters. The irony. You couldn’t write this script any better,’ posted another.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has hailed Ginnivan’s growth as a footballer after the match.
‘Ginni is one of those players that the crowd love and the media loves to talk about … but in our preparation we didn’t make much of him,’ Mitchell said.
‘We look more at what he does for us as a side.
‘We know that he’s been an important player for us across the year and we’ve missed him the last couple of weeks.
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