It's time for everyone to make their mind up - do we want personality in the AFL or robots that toe the line?
Controversial Hawthorn star Jack Ginnivan once again has the AFL world talking after a showboating celebration following a goal in the Hawks' win over the Bulldogs.
After attacking the football and winning a crucial contest on the forward flank, Ginnivan ran 70m to an open goal, before flashing the ball back at his opponents and kicking the six-pointer.
GINNIVAN SHOWED IT TO THEM 👀#AFLDogsHawks pic.twitter.com/nWrT9PMnTI
— AFL (@AFL) June 5, 2025
MORE: AFL world needs to 'harden up' on Sydney Swans 'rabble' saga
The celebration even divided Ginnivan's Hawks team-mates with Dylan Moore suggesting he 'absolutely loves that', while Mabior Chol 'wasn't a fan' of the exuberance.
However, the general sentiment among pundits was that Ginnivan's actions were disrespectful and that the celebration wasn't needed.
The Ginnivan furore comes days after Adelaide's Wayne Milera was forced to apologise for describing opposition Sydney as a 'rabble' post-match.
Former St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt suggested the AFL world needs 'harden up' after its reaction to Milera's honesty about the Swans.
And you would have to think Riewoldt likely has a similar opinion on the response to Ginnivan's actions.
If players are continually hounded for showing personality, flair and honesty, then public interactions from them will continue to get more stale.
Cliches will constantly be pumped out in interviews, while muted, respectful celebrations will be the only ones that are seen on field.
After the game, Ginnivan said it best himself in a post-match tweet.
why everyone wanna be so serious, bro can't have fun. 🦕🦕
— Jack Ginnivan (@GinnivanJack) June 5, 2025
"Why everyone wanna be so serious, bro can't have fun," Ginnivan posted with a couple of dinosaur emojis.
In a second tweet: "Just wanna have fun and be a kid."
It looks the consensus among fans and pundits is that we don't want any edgy, entertaining behaviour in the AFL.