The Tasmania Devils have delivered a sharp response to AFL star Jack Ginnivan after the Hawthorn forward declared his Melbourne lifestyle was ‘too elite’ to swap for a move to the AFL’s newest club.
The 23-year-old questioned whether the Devils could lure young players away from Melbourne and the Gold Coast as they build towards their debut season in 2028 – but added he could be tempted for a $2million fee.
The cheeky exchange followed Ginnivan’s appearance on SEN on Thursday morning, when he discussed his future ahead of his contract expiring at the end of 2027.
Asked about the prospect of joining Tasmania, the premiership forward made his feelings clear.
‘To be honest, I don’t think I could live in Tassie. My lifestyle in Melbourne is too elite to go down to Tassie. I just don’t think I would be happy down there to be honest,’ Ginnivan said.
‘Look, if they offer me $2 million, I probably wouldn’t say no.’
Jack Ginnivan has been mocked by Tasmania after declaring his Melbourne lifestyle was ‘too elite’ to move south
Ginnivan (pictured) said he believes Tasmania will face a challenge convincing young players to leave Melbourne and the Gold Coast
After Ginnivan’s joke about the dream price, Tasmania’s social media team fired straight back.
‘Thinks he’s on our target list and thinks he’s worth $2 million,’ the club’s official X account posted.
During the interview, Ginnivan suggested Tasmania faced a difficult task convincing young footballers to leave familiar surroundings.
‘I think it will be pretty challenging for Tassie, for young kids from Melbourne,’ he said.
‘Obviously, the lifestyle is amazing in Gold Coast and in Melbourne.
‘I’ve got a few mates up in Goldy and everyone loves being around a bit of atmosphere.’
He added that moving away from somewhere players had spent their entire lives would present another obstacle, although he backed inaugural Devils coach Ken Hinkley to make a convincing pitch.
‘It’s going to be a tough challenge for them, but if someone can do it, Kenny can!’ he said.
But the Hawthorn forward joked that a $2million offer could change his mind
Inaugural Tasmania coach Ken Hinkley is building the Devils’ list ahead of their AFL debut in 2028
The Devils have already persuaded their first group of teenagers to join the club.
The team unveiled eight inaugural recruits in September, including highly rated West Australian tall Axel Walsh and Victorian prospects Jake Miller and Angus Brown.
Seven were signed through the club’s under-17 concessions, while Tasmanian midfielder Hugh McCallum joined through a separate provision for local talent.
For Ginnivan, the immediate priority remains extending his stay at Hawthorn.
The former Collingwood forward joined his childhood club after winning the 2023 premiership with the Magpies and has become an established member of Sam Mitchell’s side.
Hawthorn’s additions of Zach Merrett and Ben King have given him further reason to stay, although Ginnivan joked the club’s spending could complicate his next deal.
‘Hopefully the Hawks still have enough money after the last few years,’ he said.
‘We’ve got Will Day out of contract as well, so hopefully he doesn’t sign for $1.5million and have a monster year!’
Ginnivan praised Mitchell and forward-line coach Adrian Hickmott, describing the latter as the best coach he had played under.
‘I’m keen to stay a Hawk for a long time. Hopefully we’ll start the season off well and go from there,’ he said.
