Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has praised Jack Ginnivan’s evolution from a “shrugging lairiser” to a key part of the Hawks’ premiership push.
Ginnivan, and dynamic forward Connor Macdonald, will make their 100th AFL appearances when Hawthorn face red-hot Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday.
Macdonald will become the first Hawk to debut under Mitchell’s coaching to reach the three-figure milestone.
Ginnivan played 42 games for Collingwood, switching to the Hawks after the Magpies’ 2023 grand final win.
The now-23-year-old was more known early in his career for ducking tackles to win free kicks, and his questionable off-field choices.
But Mitchell believes Ginnivan has matured into a player that is earning respect through his performances.
“He’s really important to the way we play,” Mitchell said on Friday.
“One of the pieces of the puzzle we can move around into different positions and is happy to do whatever is needed.
“He’s much more than shrugging lairiser now, he’s a very well-rounded player who can perform on most days.”
Hawthorn will try to end Melbourne’s scintillating MCG winning streak without star veteran Jack Gunston and key defender Tom Barrass.
Mitchell is hopeful Gunston, coming off a six-goal haul against Fremantle, will be fit for next Thursday night’s clash with Adelaide.
“Jack’s been quite pivotal for us in the past 18 months,” Mitchell said.
“He won’t play forever, so we do need to find other avenues to goal, which I think we have done, and we’ve been able to put up some good scores without him at different times.”
Hawthorn sit fourth, but followed up a draw against Collingwood with a defeat to Fremantle last week.
Surprise packets of the season, Melbourne (6-3) have won five-straight games at the MCG, including victories over premiership contenders Brisbane and Gold Coast.
Daniel Turner and Trent Rivers have been recalled for the Demons, while Caleb Windsor is out with a toe injury.
