- Hawthorn star was a frustrated figure at fulltime
- Crows won a thriller by 14 points at Adelaide Oval
- Ginnivan was a standout for Hawks despite defeat
Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan is happy to play the villain – and his combative nature was on full display with Adelaide Crows fans on Friday night.
While the hosts won by 14 points to become the new AFL ladder leaders on percentages, Ginnivan became an instant talking point after ‘flipping the bird’ to rival supporters as he made his way off Adelaide Oval.
And well aware a fine will follow from the AFL for his conduct, Ginnivan was anything but remorseful.
The 22-year-old later posted on Instagram next to vision of the incident: ‘best coin spent.’
Despite the Hawks’ defeat, Ginnivan was a standout, finished the game with 20 disposals and a brilliant goal which briefly silenced the locals.
Ginnivan also isn’t the first AFL star to give fans the middle finger salute this season.
During West Coast’s loss to Brisbane at the Gabba in round two, former No.1 draft pick Harley Reid stuck his middle finger up at Lions fans.
The AFL later fined him $1000.
Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan is happy to play the villain – and his combative nature was on full display with Adelaide Crows fans on Friday night (pictured, giving Crows supporters a middle finger salute)
And well aware a fine will follow for his conduct, Ginnivan was anything but remorseful (pictured, celebrating a goal)
The 22-year-old later posted on Instagram next to vision of the incident: ‘best coin spent’
And following Geelong’s victory over the Crows at Adelaide Oval in round five, midfielder Bailey Smith produced a double-finger salute as he walked up the tunnel, resulting in a $1000 fine.
Speaking in the post-game press conference, Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks hailed the character of his side.
The Crows kicked six goals to two in the final quarter after trailing by eight points at three-quarter time.
‘There was a lot of pressure,’ Nicks said. ‘To reset the way we did, the maturity our boys showed…it was another way to win in what was a finals atmosphere.’
The Crows were superbly led by Irish-born defender Mark Keane (21 disposals, six marks), halfback Wayne Milera (19 touches) and winger Dan Curtin (20, six inside 50s).
Attacking trio Thilthorpe, Rankine and Walker were ever-present threats while captain Jordan Dawson (21 disposals, 11 tackles) kicked two team-lifting goals in five minutes.
Hawthorn (13-7) remain fifth – only a win ahead of ninth spot – with fresh concern over injury-troubled midfielder Will Day, who limped from the field late on.
‘I don’t have an answer yet,’ Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said when quizzed about Day’s condition.
Collingwood can reclaim top spot if they beat the Brisbane Lions in a blockbuster at the MCG on Saturday night.
