Hawthorn star Jack Ginnivan says it will be a “challenge” for Tasmania to recruit players from other clubs as the forward approaches a contract year in 2027.

The Devils can sign one uncontracted player from each of the 18 clubs, with help from a $5 million sign-on bonus over the first two years to attract talent from around the competition.

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But Ginnivan suggested he wouldn’t speak with Tassie and couldn’t give up the Melbourne lifestyle.

“To be honest, I don’t think I could live in Tassie,” he said on SEN’s Summer Run.

“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 cheekily added: “Look, if they offer me $2 million, I probably wouldn’t say no!”

The 23-year old thinks his friends around the league would feel similar and that Tassie might be a tough sell to players from interstate.

“I think it will be pretty challenging for Tassie (to attract) young kids from Melbourne,” he said.

“Obviously, the lifestyle is amazing in Gold Coast and Melbourne. I’ve got a few mates up in ‘Goldy’ and everyone loves being around a bit of atmosphere. I think it will be a challenge for Tassie to bring in young talent away from these places where you’ve lived for 20 years.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge for them, but if someone can do it, our man Kenny (Hinkley) can, I reckon!”

The Devils couldn’t help but clap back at Ginnivan with a cheeky social media post.

Ginnivan is among several key Hawks due to come out of contract next year including Will Day, James Sicily, Karl Amon and Mabior Chol.

It follows another big trade splash where Hawthorn added Zach Merrett and Ben King during the player movement period to make Sam Mitchell’s side one of the chief flag contenders in 2027.

While Ginnivan indicated contract talks weren’t pressing, he said he wanted to be a Hawk “for a long time” ahead of the ex-Magpie’s seventh AFL season — and fourth in brown and gold.

“I was talking to mum and dad about it. When you think about it too much, it becomes too much,” Ginnivanadded.

“You just let these things play out. Hopefully the Hawks still have enough money after the last few years. We’ve got ‘Daysy’ (Will Day) out of contract as well, so hopefully he doesn’t sign for $1.5 million and have a monster year.

“I’ve been loving the Hawks and I feel like we’re obviously in a great position with our list. I love the coaches, obviously Sam (Mitchell) and our forward line coach – who is the best coach I’ve ever had, Adrian Hickmott.

“I’m keen to stay a Hawk for a long time. Hopefully we’ll start the season off well and go from there.”



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