Legendary coach Mick Malthouse says he would be clipping the wings of larrikin Hawks player Jack Ginnivan.
The livewire small forward has once again found himself in the headlines as Hawthorn embarks on an unexpected AFL finals run.
Ginnivan, 21, was photographed at a Melbourne pub last week the night before the Hawks played the Bulldogs in an elimination final.
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They won the game – with Ginnivan celebrating a goal by cracking an imaginary beer can – and will face Port Adelaide on Friday night.
Ginnivan again attracted criticism earlier this week when he commented on a social media post by Sydney ruckman Brodie Grundy, “see you in two weeks”.
The comment was Ginnivan’s way of publicly stating Hawthorn will beat the Power and qualify for next week’s preliminary final against the Swans.
The cheeky comment drew the ire of footy greats including Garry Lyon and Paul Roos, who suggested such public arrogance was not in the interests of the club or team.
Ginnivan also came under fire last year when he attended Moonee Valley races the night before Collingwood’s grand final, which the Magpies ended up winning.
The list of bizarre behaviours is starting to wear thin on many within the game, and Malthouse says he would not be letting it happen under his watch.
Malthouse won three premierships during his coaching career and was known as a strict disciplinarian, although did preside over Collingwood’s infamous “rat pack” of cheeky players.
“(I’d be saying something) probably a little bit harsher than ‘pull your head in’,” Malthouse told Nine’s Today on Friday.
“I’d twist his ear a little bit and bring him back… I know they say ‘well this is the modern player’, well be modern, that’s OK, (but) do it in your own time.
“When you’re part of the team you need to be part of the team not sitting outside the team.
“I don’t like it, I don’t know if too many players or coaches would like it. Some put up with it – I’m one of the coaches that perhaps wouldn’t put up with it.”
The Hawks meet the Power at Adelaide Oval in another must-win game.
