An exciting trio of Hawks is set to make their club debuts against Essendon at the MCG on Saturday.
Jack Ginnivan, Mabior Chol and Massimo D’Ambrosio will don the brown and gold for the first time this weekend, with all three to be named in the starting 23 for the Round 1 clash.
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General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said he was thrilled to welcome three fresh faces in the club’s season opener.
“We were targeted in last year’s trade period around our list needs, and we excitedly were able to add Mabior Chol, Jack Ginnivan, Massimo D’Ambrosio and Jack Gunston to our side," McCartney said.
“That’s now transferred to Mabior, Jack and Massimo playing their first games in the brown and gold.
“Playing your first game in new colours is both an exciting and rewarding opportunity for these boys and we look forward to them bolstering the dynamic of our young side.”
Ginnivan has made an immediate impression since arriving to the club during last year’s trade period, following 42 games and 58 majors across three seasons at Collingwood.
The premiership forward has been busy for the Hawks across the pre-season, including his last practice game against the Western Bulldogs a fortnight ago, where he booted two goals.
McCartney said Ginnivan had applied himself strongly across the summer while adding excitement to the club’s new-look forward line.
“Jack adds to our small forwards stocks and is dangerous around goal,” McCartney added.
“While young in age, the exposure he has playing in big games at his previous club is definitely an asset for our young developing team.”
Chol will also look to make an impact at his third club after joining the Hawks during the trade period last October.
The 200cm key forward will be thrust into greater opportunity in the brown and gold, having booted 78 goals across his 61 games at Gold Coast and Richmond.
McCartney said Chol would add some further depth to the side’s forward line.
“Mabior gives us another tall target up forward to play alongside Mitch Lewis,” McCartney said.
“He has shown that he can be a significant goal-kicker at AFL level and we’re looking forward to him adding some potency to our scoring.”
After crossing over from Essendon last year, D’Ambrosio will get the opportunity to run out against his former club this Saturday.
The 20-year-old has pushed his case for selection following a consistent pre-season and impressive showings in the recent practice game matches.
McCartney said he was confident that D’Ambrosio will make the most out of his role on Saturday.
“Massimo has a penetrating left foot and sets the game up for us from the backend through the midfield,” McCartney said.
“He adds some flexibility to our team by being able to play as an outside midfielder or defender.”
Hawthorn’s full Round 1 team will be announced on hawthornfc.com.au at 6.20pm tonight.
