Jack Ginnivan Mocks Upcoming Tassie Devils AFL Club
The Hawthorn forward dismisses a potential move to Tasmania, prompting a public social media response from the new club.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Hockey
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Hawthorn Hawks player Jack Ginnivan has publicly mocked the Tassie Devils ahead of the club's entry into the AFL. Ginnivan claimed his lifestyle in Melbourne is too elite for a relocation, leading the team to respond on X.
Why it matters
The exchange highlights early tensions as the new franchise prepares to build its inaugural list. With a $5 million sign-on bonus pool, the team is actively scouting talent to recruit before its 2028 debut.
Ginnivan has recorded 77 goals in 72 games for Hawthorn, surpassing his previous output of 58 goals in 42 games for Collingwood. The Tassie Devils maintain a $5 million total sign-on bonus pool for poaching players.
The players
Jack Ginnivan
He is a professional Australian rules footballer currently playing for the Hawthorn Hawks.
Hawthorn Hawks
This is a professional Australian rules football club that competes in the Australian Football League.
Tassie Devils
This is an upcoming expansion team scheduled to join the Australian Football League in 2028.
Collingwood
This is a prominent professional Australian rules football club where Ginnivan previously played.
The details
Ginnivan remains under contract with the Hawthorn Hawks until the end of 2027. The Tassie Devils, who are building their list ahead of their 2028 entry, publicly mocked the forward on X for his assumption that he was a target.
Timeline
Jack Ginnivan won a premiership at Collingwood in 2023.
Ginnivan publicly mocked the Tassie Devils last week.
Ginnivan's current contract with the Hawthorn Hawks expires at the end of 2027.
The Tassie Devils are scheduled to join the AFL in 2028.
Season Trajectory
The Tassie Devils are navigating the AFL's expansion list-build protocols as they attempt to recruit established talent before their official entry. This exchange signals the aggressive recruitment posture the club will take to reshape league competitiveness upon its arrival.
Hawthorn fans should note that Ginnivan remains under contract until 2027, securing his position in the forward rotation for the immediate future. The club's recent acquisitions of Zach Merrett and Ben King further signal their intent to remain competitive throughout the coming seasons.
The takeaway
Public banter between active players and expansion clubs often precedes intense contract negotiations as new teams enter the league. Fans should expect similar speculation as more established players become targets for new list-build programmes.
Further reading
For more news on the league, see Australia Hockey.
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