Jack Ginnivan was the match-winner with a likely knick-knack goal to seal Hawthorn’s 22-point win over the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night at Docklands. The precocious young forward didn’t just score two of the most important goals of the Ticos’ young campaign either – he did it in his own idiosyncratic style. His performance was instrumental in helping Hawthorn snap a three-game losing streak, lifting the team’s spirits and marking a significant win.
After Ginnivan kicked the opening goal of the match just 57 seconds in, it foreshadowed what was to come. He demonstrated his knack for showmanship when he kicked his second goal, teasing the opposition by showing them the ball before confidently running into the square. This moment was indicative of his style of play, a style that teammate Dylan Moore once referred to as “Ginni being Ginni.”
A Standout Performance
That flashy stat line was complemented by strong defensive play and a unique buoyant style that made Ginnivan the most unassailable player on the field. He completed the comeback for Hawthorn, kicking the lead goal early in the final term. He juked two defenders and raced into an empty net to put the game away. This play highlighted his talent for playing well when the pressure is on. It changed the dynamic in his team’s favor right when they needed it most.
When Ginnivan scored his second goal, he ran off and said, “That’s the fastest I’ve ever run!” His enthusiasm mirrored the exuberance of that age. His two first-half goals were instrumental in bringing the game’s final margin down to a mere three points. This brought out his innate ability to change the entire flow of the game.
“He’s causing a little bit of frustration in the opposition,” Moore noted, praising Ginnivan’s unique style of play. “I absolutely love that.” This whimsical approach delights fans as well, but introduces a level of surprise and chaos that makes players from rival teams jittery and uncertain.
Team Spirit and Strategy
After a rough month of action, Hawthorn’s opportunistic win over the high-flying Bulldogs was an encouraging development. Moore spoke to the importance of this win. He announced that “it’s likely our most significant victory of the year and last few years combined.” The players were rightly maligned during their 8-game losing streak, but this win was a necessary first step toward restoring confidence in the beleaguered players.
Political pressure
In the words of Moore, “We’ve been on the back foot for three weeks now. All of the boys, that was a really good performance. The team’s ability to put together four solid quarters against a formidable opponent like the Bulldogs marked a turning point for Hawthorn. Moore was pleased with their resolve to come back, as answering those difficulties is key to a good team energy.
Ginnivan compounding this when he said, “It was just nice to get back in the winners’ circle.” He acknowledged that media scrutiny and fan expectations can create pressure during losing streaks and emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication in achieving success.
Building on Success
Apart from individual displays, Hawthorn’s combined team efforts were clear across every quarter of the game. The team pressured their opponents effectively, disrupting their rhythm and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. That was a smart strategy that ended up working wonders against the Bulldogs, who are as competitive as they come.
Ginnivan said their last meeting, leading up to the game, was fantastic. We had all this stuff and just got it off our chest and vented a bit. This candid communication among players appears to have fostered a renewed sense of unity and purpose heading into this crucial match.
While Hawthorn will hope to follow up on this win with further success, both Ginnivan and Moore understand that personal hard work will be the key. The Doggies, Moore acknowledged, are a “very good team. So putting four quarters together against them was huge.” For this team, it is solely about keeping that good thing going. They are intent on making themselves a more polished and complete product as the season wears on.
