Hawthorn star Jack Ginnivan has sounded the alarm for Tasmania, saying the new AFL team will struggle to recruit players from rival clubs.
And his comments drew a sharp criticism from the club, who immediately mocked the 23-year-old on social media.
Ginnivan is out of contract at the end of next year and would loom as a potential target for the Devils as they prepare for their debut season in 2028.
He has developed into a star for the Hawks, barely missing a game in his three seasons since joining from Collingwood after winning the 2023 premiership.
When asked about his future, Ginnivan immediately shutdown the prospect of leaving Hawthorn, although did joke there might not be enough money left after the recent additions of Zach Merrett and Ben King.
“When you think about (contract) too much, it becomes too much,” Ginnivan told SEN on Thursday morning.
“You just let these things play out. Hopefully the Hawks still have enough money after the last few years.
“We’ve got 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 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 in 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.”
Ginnivan was then asked by 7AFL expert Kane Cornes if he would consider a move to Tasmania if they came knocking, but he said he couldn’t leave his “elite” lifestyle.
“To be honest, I don’t think I could live in Tassie,” he said.
“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.
“Look if they offer me $2 million, I probably wouldn’t say no,” he added with a laugh.
That comment drew the ire of the Devils’ official X account.
“Thinks he’s on our target list and thinks he’s worth $2 million,” they tweeted.
Ginnivan also said it will be a challenge for Tasmania to recruit players given the lifestyle adjustment.
“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.
“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!”
Ginnivan also said he believes recruit Ben King can be a force further up the ground, rather than the close-to-goal forward we have been accustomed to at Gold Coast.