Sam Mitchell revealed he hasn’t yet spoken to Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley following last week’s post-match exchange involving Jack Ginnivan. Mitchell praised Ginnivan for acknowledging that he needs to “grow up.”
Mitchell downplayed Hinkley’s taunt at Ginnivan after the siren—which led to a $20,000 fine for Port—calling it a “very, very minor part” of last weekend’s semi-final loss to Port.
This exchange followed Ginnivan’s comment, “See you in 14 days,” on former teammate Brodie Grundy’s Instagram, suggesting that Hawthorn expected to beat the Power.
Sam Mitchell noted he hasn’t spoken to Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley since last week’s post-match comments directed at Jack Ginnivan, but he supports any rivalry it might spark.
“I haven’t reached out to Ken, and I don’t necessarily expect to,” Mitchell said during an SEN Breakfast interview. “I appreciate the theater of the game, and if this creates a rivalry between Hawthorn and Port, I welcome it. The passion that comes with sport energizes fans and provides a vital outlet for many.
“If there’s added intensity in our matches, I’m all for it, and if you help build that excitement for our next game against them, I don’t think either club will back down.”
Ginnivan recently acknowledged in a Channel 7 interview that his cheeky social media comment wasn’t his best choice, admitting he needs to “grow up and be smarter.” Mitchell expressed his admiration for Ginnivan’s self-awareness, especially given the scrutiny he faces at such a young age.
“Being just 21, he’s experienced a lot, some of which he brought on himself, while much is simply due to public interest,” Mitchell said. “It’s commendable that he recognizes the need for growth. Transitioning from understanding this to actually doing it can be tricky, but I’m pleased he sees it as important.”
In other news, amid speculation about rival clubs, including Sydney, showing interest in Sam Frost due to potential roster changes, Mitchell suggested that Frost remains a valuable part of the team moving forward.
“I really like ‘Frosty’; he’s one of my favorites,” he said. “There’s room for him in our defense, even with new additions on the horizon. Injuries have limited our flexibility this year, but as our list evolves, we’ll have more options to utilize.”
Frost, currently under contract for next season, missed the semi-final due to a foot injury.
