Jack Ginnivan has a simple message for his critics: I do things my own way.
The always polarising Ginnivan was at the centre of commentary leading into Collingwood‘s epic four-point Grand Final win over Brisbane after he attended the Mooney Valley races on Friday night.
But in the rooms after the Magpies‘ triumph – with his usual cheeky smile and a premiership medallion around his neck – Ginnivan made one thing clear: He isn’t going to change for anyone.
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“I‘m not a basic footballer like everyone else, I’m allowed to live a live a life. I was home by 10pm and was on the waters. Everyone can make of it what they want, but I’m a f***ing premiership player,” Ginnivan told foxfooty.com.au in the rooms post-game.
Indeed, no matter where the youngster‘s career goes from here, he’s now officially a premiership player for life.
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Outside of his trip to the races, Ginnivan had a unique build-up to Saturday‘s decider otherwise after being promoted into the 22 for the first time this finals series.
The reality of what he and his teammates achieved was still sinking in after playing in one of the most memorable grand finals in recent memory went right down to the wire.
“Unbelievable and surreal. Collingwood premiership player – it sounds nice, it sounds very nice. It‘s unreal,” he added.
“It was heated, Brisbane is an unbelievable side with so many stars across the ground. Our ability to fight, compete and do things other clubs don‘t do. It’s unbelievable.
“To play in probably one of the best finals of all time, I‘ll cherish that forever.”
Ginnivan is no stranger to external criticism after he burst onto the scene last year in unique fashion to quickly become one of the game‘s most talked about players.
It wasn‘t always for his brilliant goalkicking abilities though.
From the peroxided blonde hair, to his theatrics with fans and his ability to draw free kicks, Ginnivan quickly became a phenomenon – hated by opposition fans but loved dearly by his own.
This 20-year old takes it all in his stride though embraces his reputation.
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“I feed off that. I love when the crowd gets up and about for me, without the crowd I don‘t think I’d be half the player I am,” Ginnivan said.
“They‘re always behind me and I love them to bits. I love all my family and friends to bits.”
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