In a candid and explosive interview, former Collingwood star Jack Ginnivan has taken a significant dig at his old club, insisting that despite winning the AFL Premiership with the Magpies, he never truly felt loved or appreciated by the club or its fanbase. Ginnivan, now at his boyhood club Hawthorn, expressed his relief at leaving Collingwood and shared how much more comfortable he feels with the Hawks.
Jack Ginnivan, once touted as one of Collingwood’s most promising young talents, found himself at the center of attention during his time with the Magpies. While he played a key role in helping the team achieve success, including their triumphant Premiership win, Ginnivan revealed that he struggled with the constant criticism from fans and the feeling of being underappreciated by the club’s leadership.
“Winning the Premiership was a dream come true, but honestly, it never felt like home,” Ginnivan stated in a recent interview. “The spotlight was always on me, and not in a good way. No matter what I did, it felt like people were waiting for me to mess up. Whether it was on the field or off, the criticism was relentless.”
Ginnivan’s comments have come as a shock to many in the Collingwood community, as the player was seen as a key figure in their successful 2023 campaign. However, he insists that behind the scenes, things were not as harmonious as they appeared.
“I don’t regret the time I spent at Collingwood, but it was hard to feel valued there,” Ginnivan admitted. “It wasn’t just the fans; even within the club, there was this constant pressure and scrutiny. If I wasn’t scoring or performing, the support just wasn’t there. It wasn’t a healthy environment for me.”
The 21-year-old went on to describe how his mental health was affected by the harsh criticism he received, especially from the fans. “I felt like no matter how hard I tried, nothing was ever good enough. It wasn’t just football; it was personal. The fans criticized everything, from my playing style to how I carried myself off the field.”
After making the move to Hawthorn, Ginnivan feels a sense of belonging that he didn’t experience at Collingwood. Returning to his boyhood club, Ginnivan shared how the change has reignited his passion for the game.
“Joining Hawthorn has been a breath of fresh air,” he said. “It feels like I’m finally home. The club, the fans – they’ve welcomed me with open arms. It’s not about the pressure to win every single game; it’s about the journey, and I feel like I’m in the right place to grow both as a player and a person.”
Ginnivan expressed optimism about Hawthorn’s future, insisting that the team is heading in the right direction and could soon become champions themselves. “I truly believe that Hawthorn is building something special. We may not be there yet, but with the talent we have and the support of the fans, I feel like we’re on the cusp of something great. I’m proud to be a part of this journey.”
Ginnivan’s comments have sparked mixed reactions across the AFL world. Some Collingwood fans have taken to social media to criticize the former star, accusing him of lacking gratitude toward a club that gave him a platform to win a Premiership. Others, however, have expressed understanding, noting the high-pressure environment at a club like Collingwood and how it could weigh heavily on a young player.
“Jack Ginnivan needs to remember that Collingwood gave him his start and helped him win a flag. It’s disappointing to see him speaking like this,” one Collingwood supporter commented on Twitter. However, a Hawthorn fan responded, “He’s happy now, and that’s what matters. Everyone deserves to feel appreciated in their workplace, and clearly, he didn’t get that at Collingwood.”
AFL commentator Kane Cornes also weighed in on the matter, stating, “Ginnivan’s comments are a reflection of the immense pressure that comes with playing at a big club like Collingwood. It’s not for everyone. That being said, it’s rare to hear a player speak so openly about their experience after winning a Premiership. Hawthorn will be happy to have him, and it looks like he’s found a place where he feels at home.”
As Ginnivan continues his career at Hawthorn, his focus is firmly on the future. “I’ve left Collingwood behind, and I’m ready to make my mark at Hawthorn,” he said. “The past is the past. I’m focused on helping Hawthorn reach new heights, and I know we’ve got what it takes to get there.”
All eyes will be on Ginnivan and whether his fresh start at Hawthorn will lead to new success. His remarks about Collingwood, however, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the rivalry between the two clubs.
