Sam Mitchell explains Jack Ginnivan’s fiery moment with Hawthorn teammate in AFL win

Sam Mitchell explained that Jack Ginnivan and Will Day are actually good friends and an amazing incident during Saturday. AFL the game was just one player holding the other accountable. Day could be seen grabbing Ginnivan before shoving his Hawthorn teammate after a goal against Adelaide.

Ginnivan’s goal atoned for an earlier blunder in which he ignored two wide-open teammates and flashed at goal – but missed. Ginnivan’s teammates all surrounded him, but Day didn’t look very happy and the two had a stunning exchange.

Fans were worried it was a real rage, but Hawks coach Mitchell explained after the game that Ginnivan and Day have a great relationship. According to Mitchell, Day went into Ginnivan because he burned his teammates earlier in the game — but it’s all part of leadership and accountability.

“I was warned there might be some questions about it,” Mitchell said in his news conference. “There’s this whole little group of players, they spend all their time together and they all have their celebrations and all that stuff.

“Basically, I think what was happening was they got into Ginni because his two best friends were right in front of him and he didn’t see them and he shot at the goal. They are interested in him.

“I think the battle those guys have, in a fun way, is having a great time playing football as young men in their 20s. But for the same reason, they began to take each other into account.

“If you look at us as a group, I think we’re a good snap. They started out in their careers having fun, maybe not doing all they should be doing. And now when they go outside of what they know is the best thing for the team, they pull each other down and so the coaches don’t have to get involved. They practically drive alone.

“I thought the maturity the younger forward group showed today – Ginni, Dylan Moore, Connor Macdonald, Calsher Dear – after a bit of a rough second quarter I thought that was a big part of the gain. That goal right at three-quarter time was vital for him and Day recognized that moment and was sure to pass it on.”

Day moved to calm the waters later on Saturday night, posting a photo of Ginnivan on social media and writing: “Love this guy, just a fiery celebration – relax.” Ginnivan jokingly replied, “We hate the hell out of each other.”

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Sam Mitchell slams shocking racial abuse of Hawthorn player

Earlier in the press conference, Mitchell used his platform to blast a racist social media post that was aimed at one of his players the morning of the game. The Hawks coach did not go into detail but said any Hawthorn fan who racially abuses players is not welcome.

“I love football and I love our game and I think in the position we’re in as community leaders, we have to do the best job we can about discrimination,” Mitchell said. “We have some stuff – I don’t want to get into it – but I just want to say that if you have any form of racism in you as a Hawthorn person, we’re not interested in having you as part of our club.

“So while we all enjoy a fantastic win and we should all enjoy it, unfortunately some parts of our Hawthorn family can’t enjoy it because of what the heroes on their keyboards think that they are able to do. those who ever wear maroon and gold, we don’t want you.”

with AAP