"Life is too elite": Ginnivan on why Tassie will struggle to recruit

Playing out the final year of his current contract, Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan is keen to remain a Hawk.

Joining the Hawks from Collingwood in 2024, Ginnivan has developed into a major contributor for his childhood club, playing 72 games across three seasons and enjoying a career year in 2026.

Off the back of a heart-breaking loss to Brisbane in an all-time classic preliminary final, Hawthorn enjoyed a fruitful offseason, acquiring superstar talents Zach Merrett and Ben King to bolster their list ahead of the new season.

Entering 2027 as a premiership favourite, it’s no secret as to why Ginnivan is determined to stay put.

With a lot to play out in the coming year, the 23-year-old isn’t looking to overcomplicate the process.

“When you think about it too much, it becomes too much,” Ginnivan told SEN’s Summer Run.

“You just let these things play out. Hopefully the Hawks still have enough money after the last few years.

“We’ve got Will Day out of contract as well, so hopefully he doesn’t sign for $1.5 million and have a monster year!

“I’ve been loving the Hawks, and I feel like we’re in a great position with our list. I love the coaches, obviously Sam (Mitchell) and our forward line coach – who is the best coach I’ve ever had in Adrian Hickmott.

“I’m keen to stay a Hawk for a long time. Hopefully we’ll start the season off well and go from there.”

The timing of Ginnivan’s contract expiry lines up with Tasmania’s entry into the AFL – a factor that could have a significant influence on those looking to re-sign in 2027.

With the Devils approaching their debut year in 2028, the club remains on the hunt for experienced AFL talent to join over the ’27 offseason, with a signing bonus of $5 million to be spent by the club on any players they see fit.

Despite the prospect of a significant pay-day, Ginnivan isn’t prepared to give up his lifestyle in Melbourne.

“To be honest, I don’t think I could live in Tassie,” he said.

“My lifestyle in Melbourne is too elite to go down to Tassie. I just don’t think I would be happy down there to be honest.

“If they offer me $2 million, I probably wouldn’t say no!”

Considering like-minded players of a similar age bracket, Ginnivan believes that Tasmania might find the change of lifestyle a tough sell in their recruitment process.

“I think it will be pretty challenging for Tassie, for young kids from Melbourne,” he said.

“Obviously, the lifestyle is amazing in Gold Coast and in Melbourne – I’ve got a few mates up in Goldy and everyone loves being around a bit of atmosphere.

“I think it will be a challenge for Tassie to bring in young talent away from these places where you’ve lived for 20 years.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge for them, but if someone can do it, Kenny (Hinkley) can!”

Listen to Jack Ginnivan's full interview below: