There could be some uncomfortable conversations to be had in the Tasmania sheds when they enter the league in 2028.
That is because the Devils are reportedly targeting Jack Ginnivan to be a key part of their inaugural squad.
But there will be some hatchets that need burying should Ken Hinkley, who was announced as the Tassies first head coach on Monday, be united with Ginnivan.
Back in 2024, the then Port Adelaide coach became embroiled in a war of words with the Hawthorn star.
The future Devils coach was on the receiving end of a $20,000 fine for the gesture he made at Ginnivan and the rest of the Hawthorn squad after a semi-final victory in 2024.
Hinkley made an aeroplane gesture and began spraying at Ginnivan, the whole episode stemming from the Hawthorn player’s social media antics.
Ken Hinkley sparked a bitter feud with Hawthorn star Jack Ginnivan after he mocked the Hawks following Port Adelaide’s semi-final victory in 2024
Hinkley could then be seen spraying at the Hawthorn squad as he side left the pitch
The former Port Adelaide coach has been named as the inaugural Tasmania head coach and could be set to united with his arch-nemesis Ginnivan
Jack Ginnivan is being targeted by Tasmania as one of their first potential signings with his Hawthorne contract ending at the conclusion of the 2027 season
Before that infamous game, Ginnivan suugested the Hawks would beat the Power and advance to the preliminary final.
There was clearly some bitter feelings still in the air when the two sides met the following season, what would be Hinkley’s last with Port Adelaide.
The initial incident was used as promotional material by the AFL for the Gather Round clash between the two sides.
And after kicking a goal, Ginnivan took the opportunity to remind everyone of what had happened in 2024 when he celebrated with an aeroplane celebration.
Now according to 7NEWS reporter Xander McGuire, Ginnivan is on the Tassie ‘whiteboard’ as they look to fill out their first ever roster.
‘I can tell you tonight that Jack Ginnivan is on the whiteboard of the Tassie Devils,’ McGuire said on The Agenda Setters.
‘He’s a player that they’re interested in. Obviously there’s the Finn O’Sullivan’s and the Sam Lalor’s that they’re really pushing hard for.
‘Ginnivan hasn’t got to that stage yet, but they have expressed an interest in him.’
Ginnivan responded with an aeroplane celebration of his own when Port Adelaide and Hawthorn met the following season
The 23-year-old’s contract with Hawthorn currently ends in 2027, aligning perfectly with the Devils’ entry into the league in 2028, making his potential signing the ideal market opportunity.
Their chances at signing their target is also enhanced by his relationship with Tasmania’s head of recruitment Derek Hine, who, originally signed Ginnivan to Collingwood.
According to McGuire, Ginnivan is also the perfect signing because of his potential off-field impact, the Hawks starlet has a real social media presence that could help grow the Tasmania brand and help recruitment.
‘They need someone that’s got the three S’s. Social capital, social media, and a bit of street cred,’ he explained.
‘They need someone that signals to all the young players in the AFL. Tassie is cool. Tassie is fun. Tassie has a great nightlife.’
They will no doubt be casting as wide a net as possible as they aim to build out a team that they hope will make an impact.
Any potential deal between Tasmania and Ginnivan will need to see a bitter feud put to bed.
But given how Ginnivan has impressed with his maturity both on and off the field, it seems that may not be any major issue should Hinkley and Ginnivan join forces.
