- Coach Sam Mitchell denied claims about Jack Ginnivan
- Hawks star faces criticism for witty social media comment
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has dismissed former teammate Luke Hodge’s claim that Jack Ginnivan’s recent social media activity could propel Port Adelaide into the AFL semi-finals.
Hodge felt Ginnivan went too far in his interaction with his former Collingwood teammate Brodie Grundy when he responded to a message with a public ‘see you in 14 days’ reply.
It was a reference to a potential preliminary final between Grundy’s Sydney Swans and the Hawks, who must beat the Power at Adelaide Oval on Friday night to progress.
“What you don’t do is give the opposition ammunition,” Hodge told SEN radio.
“He’s joking. He played with Grundy for two years at Collingwood so they know each other and it’s probably a bit of banter.
“But what you’re doing is sending a joke in a text message, you’re not putting it out there so Port Adelaide can sit there and say, ‘Let’s use this and take Ginnivan on’.”
Ginnivan posted his message a few days after he caused a stir by dining out at a popular Richmond pub the night before the Hawks’ finals win over the Western Bulldogs.
Mitchell had no problem with Ginnivan’s bar visit and wasn’t too concerned about the social media post.
Sam Mitchell has dismissed Luke Hodge’s claim that Jack Ginnivan’s recent social media activity could propel Port Adelaide into their upcoming AFL semi-final (Mitchell and Hodge pictured after winning the 2015 AFL Grand Final)
Hodge felt Jack Ginnivan (pictured) went too far with a social media post to compete, saying ‘see you in 14 days’
“Hodgey is obviously from my old school days,” Mitchell said on Wednesday when asked about his four-time Premier League team-mate’s comments.
“I’ve heard his comments and I know he just wants to encourage the Hawks as he plays for us this week.
“I’m not sure I can motivate Port Adelaide. They’ve got their season on the line, just like us.
‘We’re going to a knockout final and I think both teams will be as motivated as you could hope for.
“I don’t believe in much else than that.”
Mitchell faces a selection dilemma after defender Sam Frost was ruled out of the remainder of the finals series with a foot injury, with pre-season signing Ethan Phillips a viable option.
But the 25-year-old has played just one senior game, when the Hawks squandered a big lead in their last meeting with Port in May.
Mitchell says he doesn’t believe his old teammate Hodge’s comment
Coach Sam Mitchell says the Hawks have a few options to replace injured defenseman Sam Frost. (Shayne Hope)
Jai Serong and rebound defender Changkuoth Jiath are also in the mix, with all three training with the Hawks’ main squad at Waverley Park on Wednesday.
Jiath missed the last three games of the home and away season with a stiff calf but has since proven himself fit at VFL level.
“You’re a bit divided. You can’t just replace Sam Frost, of course – he’s been so important to us and he’s had a fantastic season,” Mitchell said.
‘Also the way he’s handled the last few days, he’s been at every meeting, he’s helped with the preview and helped with what’s working and what’s not working against some of the Port Adelaide guys.
‘We won’t be able to replace Sam Frost completely, but we do need to bring in another player.
“There’s some flexibility in the team, so there are a number of things we can do. For example, move someone back from another position and bring someone else in, or continue in the same way.”