Jack Ginnivan in brutal fallout amid Collingwood's pursuit of Lachie Schultz

Collingwood's pursuit of Fremantle gun Lachie Schultz appears to be bad news for Jack Ginnivan, who could be forced out of the Magpies to make way for a new midfielder. The Dockers confirmed on Monday night that Schultz had “enquired about the possibility of returning to Victoria for family reasons”, but the club are determined not to let him go without a fight.

Fremantle said Schultz was a “required player who still has a year to run on his contract”, however he is keen on a move to AFL premiers Collingwood. Discussing the situation on Monday night, leading reporter Jon Ralph said Schultz's potential move to the Magpies could be bad news for Ginnivan as it would create a surplus of midfielders.

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“I think the fallout will reflect upon Jack Ginnivan,” Ralph said on Fox Footy. “He’s a contracted player but with a list that has Bobby Hill, Beau McCreery, Jamie Elliott and then Schultz in front of him...A big decision ahead. (Schultz is) a big name there that I think would fit perfectly.”

Ginnivan fell out of favour with Collingwood coach Craig McRae and spent the majority of the season in the VFL. He was used as the sub in the Magpies' first two finals games, before winning a recall to the starting side for the grand final.

“The good teams just need to top up that little bit more to get the edge on the competition,” Ben Dixon said about Schultz's potential move. “Put a Schultz in that forward line, it’s pretty damaging.”

Fremantle responds to Lachie Schultz's trade request

In response to Schultz's trade request, Fremantle football boss Peter Bell said there's "every possibility" the 25-year-old won't be going anywhere. “We weren’t expecting the request from Lachie, that’s fair to say,” he told 6PR radio.

“We’re aware of some circumstances - as we are with all our players - that are in the background. And some circumstances have arisen where Lachie’s keen to explore a return home to Victoria.

“Through those discussions we of course have reminded Lachie that you know, while we understand those circumstances, the fact that he’s a contracted player and much loved player and a valued player may mean that there’s every possibility that he plays for us next year and sees that his contract at least.”

Bell said the reasons for Schultz's request were "a bit more layered" than just wanting to be closer to family. “But it’s not really my or the club’s position go into that level of detail - we understand the circumstances but at the same time, we have to do what’s right for the club," he added.

“And Lachie and I discussed that today, and I’m sure he discussed that with David Walls and via his management as well. And he was understanding of that. So we’ll listen but at all times we’ll make the decision that’s in the best interest of the club.”

Jack Ginnivan on the outer at Collingwood?

The potential fallout for Ginnivan comes after he was criticised by McRae for attending the races the night before the AFL grand final. The 20-year-old made light of the controversy when he wore a jockey outfit to Collingwood's Mad Monday celebrations.

"I'm really determined for us to be really humble...and we want to be winners," the coach said on SEN. "I don't know if a winner goes to the races the night before (a grand final).

"We're all different and if that makes you the best player you can be, go to the races. But I don't want to be an old school coach or anything like that. Would it survive the pub test? Are you setting yourself up to be the best version of yourself for tomorrow?"

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