The acquisition of sharpshooting small forward Lachie Schultz was expected to have little impact on Collingwood’s Jack Ginnivan’s immediate future, but the small forward has reportedly demanded a move away from Olympic Park.
The maligned Magpie was considered as a major piece in the club’s plans for 2024 as they prepare to defend their title, with Ginnivan and others facing increased competition in Craig McRae’s offensive third with the arrival of Schultz.
Winner of the Norm Smith Medal Bobby Hill capped up his debut season in the black and white with a four-goal haul against the Lions in the grand final, and Jamie Elliott and Beau McCreery will be battling for starting berths in Round 1 next year.
Ginnivan was promoted to the starting lineup for the season finale after sitting as a substitute throughout September, with his position in the pecking order and Collingwood’s acquisition of Schultz fueling speculation about a potential departure this off-season.
The 20-year-old was not a player Collingwood has placed on the trade table at any time this trade period, with football boss Graham Wright confirming on Monday that he isn’t fielding calls from possible suitors.
Wright stated on Trade Radio that Ginnivan is a required player for 2024 and has not been tied to any player movement plans.
“I haven’t received any calls about it.” When asked about Ginnivan’s future, Wright stated, “We haven’t sought to take calls either.”
“From our standpoint, it hasn’t been an issue at all.” We regard Jack as an important element of what we’re doing. He has a contract for next year.
“We haven’t taken any calls at all.”
According to SEN’s Sam Edmund, “multiple clubs” believe Collingwood is open to dealing Ginnivan, with Hawthorn seen as a club interested in the young forward.
Ginnivan is set to meet with the Hawks as early as Tuesday, with Waverley likely trying to fill the vacancy left by Tyler Brockman’s departure to West Coast.
Hawthorn has Picks 4, 33, 44, 54, and 63 in this year’s draft.
“Multiple clubs say this afternoon that Collingwood is now open to trading Jack Ginnivan,” Edmund said on Trade Radio Tuesday.
“Multiple clubs that we’ve spoken to over the course of the last half an hour or so now say that it’s been made clear to them that Collingwood would consider trading Jack Ginnivan, only obviously if the right offer presented itself.”
According to another story in The Herald Sun, a trade request has been submitted.
The Magpies are likely to meet with Hawthorn to try to conclude a deal for Ginnivan before Wednesday’s 7:30pm (AEDT) deadline.
On Monday afternoon, the Magpies reached an agreement with Fremantle to sign Schultz to a four-year contract, with the Dockers receiving Pick 34 and Collingwood’s 2024 first-round pick in exchange for the 25-year-old.
Collingwood had already transferred midfielder Taylor Adams to Sydney last week, so this was likely their final transaction before the deadline on Wednesday.
While Wright would not rule out a last-minute move, he did accept that any additional maneuvering was improbable.
“You never say never… we’re open-minded,” he went on to explain.
“We don’t have any other players in mind that we’re looking at, but you never know.”
“At this point, I’d say it’s doubtful.” That might be the end of us.”
Ginnvian has a contract with the Magpies through the end of 2024.
Collingwood has Picks 19, 39, and 80 in this year’s draft.
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