- Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan ran foul of the league
Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan has found himself in hot water with the AFL after a seemingly harmless photo revealed a small detail that breaches one of the league’s long-standing matchday rules.
The 23-year-old was spotted wearing a silver ring on his left hand during Hawthorn’s Opening Round clash with Greater Western Sydney at ENGIE Stadium last Saturday.
The jewellery was largely hidden beneath a protective glove Ginnivan had been wearing to guard a finger he broke in the off-season.
But the ring was eventually spotted in a photo shared online during the match, quickly drawing attention across social media.
When the image began circulating, Ginnivan fired back at the account that highlighted the detail, responding simply: ‘Have a cry.’
Images also showed he wore the ring during warm-up before the club’s loss to GWS.
Ginnivan is spotted wearing the silver band on his ring finger during warm up before the GWS match
Ginnivan wore the ring during the match as well, but was wearing a protective glove over it when he was on the ground
The Hawks star claps back at online detractors who pointed out he was wearing the ring
Curiously, Ginnivan chose to wear the silver band on his ring finger on the left hand, which is usually reserved for engagement and wedding rings.
There has been no indication that Ginnivan has found his special someone yet, though, and he could have chosen that finger for fashion reasons or simply because it was the only finger that the ring fit.
The AFL has since addressed the incident, with reports indicating Ginnivan has been given a minor warning rather than any formal punishment.
Seven’s Xander McGuire reported that the league was expected to hand the Hawthorn livewire little more than a reprimand.
‘Jack Ginnivan will be given a slap on the wrist by the AFL for wearing a ring on his finger during Saturday’s clash with GWS.’
‘It was worn under his glove and didn’t pose a serious threat to any opposition players, but the league has reiterated its no jewellery policy.’
Under the AFL’s official Laws of the Game, jewellery is strictly prohibited on the field during play.
Rule 13.8 states: ‘No jewellery is to be worn on the ground whilst playing.’
The rule also specifies that if an umpire notices a player wearing jewellery, ‘the Player will be asked to leave the ground and may only come back on once the jewellery has been removed.’
If the item cannot be removed, ‘the Player will be required to place tape over the top of it.’
The rule is enforced because items like rings can cause serious lacerations if they get caught on something and get ripped off, while chains can snag, causing choking or injury to the wearer or others.
Despite the unusual distraction, Ginnivan still produced a solid performance in the match, finishing with 17 disposals and two goals.
The Giants ultimately dominated the contest, surging to a commanding lead before sealing a comfortable victory over the Hawks.
Hawthorn will now look to bounce back quickly when they face arch rivals Essendon at the MCG on Friday night.
