Hawthorn skipper James Sicily has conceded in the aftermath that ‘Hok-ball’ ringleader Jack Ginnivan, in fact, regretted posting his “see u in 14 days” comment to Swan Brodie Grundy a week ahead of Friday night’s semi-final.
Admitting that such antics are better left in private, Sicily maintains full support for the character of his 21-year-old teammate, hoping moments like these will hold him in good stead down the line.
“Jack openly admitted during the week to the leaders that he really wished he didn’t do it. That’s all part of the learning,” Sicily reflected to reporters the morning after the match.
“I I think those things are better off done behind closed doors.
“I think people forget he’s 21 and a lot of grown men are infatuated with the way he lives his life and sometimes I look at it and feel as though that’s a bit embarrassing. People are different. We shouldn’t be judgemental.
“It was cheeky. I don’t think the game was lost or won on motivation because of it. It wasn’t necessarily a direct attack at Ken, at Port Adelaide.
“We love Jack, we love what he’s brought to our football club.”
The sour note from Sicily’s view comes with the dampened mood set in place of Luke Breust’s milestone moment, as both clubs endured a tense standoff in the intended celebratory guard of honour for the 300-game champion.
“The only thing I wish I had my time again with is that the exchange lingered too long and it took the gloss off Punky’s (Breust) 300th and not being able to be fully present in chairing him off,” Sicily acknowledged.
As for his own role in standing up for a younger teammate in face of the 57-year-old opposition coach, Sicily shared his thoughts on Ken Hinkley’s actions, professionally playing a straight bat and cooling the feud for the time being.
“It’s not the first time Ken’s done that and it won’t be the last. It’s an emotional game and sometimes it gets the better of us.
“To be honest I’m not seeking any apology. It’s a game of footy.”
The AFL have confirmed they will investigate the incident further, SEN‘s Sam Edmund reporting the league would like to ask a couple of questions of the Port Adelaide Football Club.