Revealed: The explosive 10-word sledge that lit a fuse under the AFL’s newest and most heated rivalry between Port Adelaide and Hawthorn

• Hawthorn captain’s fiery sledge revealed
• Hawks set to take on Power this weekend

By JAMES COONEY FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA and SHAYNE HOPE FOR AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hawthorn and Port Adelaide are set to face off in a highly anticipated grudge match this weekend that’s been fuelled by a stinging 10-word sledge from Hawks skipper James Sicily.

Tensions between the two clubs exploded during the thrilling 2024 semi-final when Port edged out Hawthorn by three points.

After the knockout clash, Power coach Ken Hinkley was fined $20,000 by the AFL for verbally taunting Hawthorn players.

Fiercely protective Hawthorn skipper James Sicily took exception to Hinkley’s actions at the time and at one point had to be held back by his teammates.

Shortly afterwards, News Corp reports that Sicily let fly with the sledge: ‘You have been a f***ing nowhere club for eight years.’

Hinkley traced his reaction back to Jack Ginnivan’s social media comment which, he said, fuelled Port’s motivation for the sudden-death final.

Hawks skipper James Sicily was not happy with Power coach Ken Hinkley’s antics 

Ginnivan, responding to an Instagram post by Sydney ruckman Brodie Grundy, wrote: ‘see u in 14 days’, referring to the preliminary finals.

Hinkley, whose sledging has featured prominently in the build-up ahead of Sunday’s rematch at Adelaide Oval, hasn’t spoken to anyone at the Hawks since the incident.

‘I have no need to speak to them and I’m sure they didn’t really want to speak to me,’ Hinkley said.

‘Ultimately my job is to do what I can to help Port Adelaide, and that’s all I spend my time on.

‘Honestly, I said what I said at the end of last year’s game.

‘Emotions boiled over, I was disappointed in that myself, I’ve said that, and I’ve apologised publicly.

‘I think it’s time to move on for me and I’ve got to focus on our performance this week.’

Hawthorn players clearly haven’t forgotten the way Hinkley targeted young forward Jack Ginnivan after the semi-final.

A lead figure in the Hawks’ so-called rascal pack, Ginnivan has this week suggested he has an ‘aeroplane” goal celebration prepared for if he kicks one in front of the Port faithful.

Hinkley expects an emotion-charged Hawthorn to bring the heat and has urged his side to be switched on from the opening bounce.

Hinkley delivered a sledge to Ginnivan after the youngster had seemingly disrespected the club

Jack Ginnivan says he may have an ‘aeroplane’ goal celebration prepared if he kicks one in front of the Port faithful

A lead figure in the Hawks’ so-called rascal pack, Ginnivan has this week suggested he has an ‘aeroplane’ goal celebration prepared for if he kicks one in front of the Port faithful.

Hinkley expects an emotion-charged Hawthorn to bring the heat and has urged his side to be switched on from the opening bounce.

‘When you ultimately lose in the end-of-season game by a small margin, clearly there’s a sting,’ he said.

‘The reality is for us we expect that to be coming our way.

‘But every team who’s played them has felt their pressure and we’re not going to be separated from that.

‘We know it’s coming our way and we look forward to the challenge.’

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Revealed: The explosive 10-word sledge that lit a fuse under the AFL’s newest and most heated rivalry between Port Adelaide and Hawthorn

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