Welcome Welcome to Hawthorn, Chad Wingard. 200 games! Announces retirement (2 Sept 2024)

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If we think we are a chance to play finals 2024/2025, we have to sign him.
Difference maker.
Imagine Chad running out in September in hawks colours! Flag vibes
There's definitely some Stuey Dew potential there. A cool head & a few class moments in finals can flip a game on its head. He's done it before
 
I'd be encouraging him to look elsewhere as we have been doing in previous years, a few good games towards the end of the year doesnt change that for me. In fact it makes it look more like the right time with the possibility of getting something back. I'd rather have that spot available for Butler/Watson next year.
 

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I'd be encouraging him to look elsewhere as we have been doing in previous years, a few good games towards the end of the year doesnt change that for me. In fact it makes it look more like the right time with the possibility of getting something back. I'd rather have that spot available for Butler/Watson next year.
At no stage ever has Chad been encouraged to look elsewhere.
Offers came. He chose to stick fat.
 
people continue to disparage his character but i think he's a top lad.
Genuinely wants to win.


The optics aren't good sometimes when the arms go out, but that's about it in terms of negative traits imo.

That mark he took when he presented for Sicily to hit up against the Saints epitomizes how good he can be when fit. He's not regarded by many as a super hard worker, but that was the type of thing only hard workers do.

Chad has it all, super hands, super creativity and the ability to kick freak goals. He is massively underrated in the toughness department too, but he is formidable there as well.

The idea he might occupy a pocket alongside the Wiz in our team is pretty tantalizing.

The one thing he hasn't had is a body that allows him to play every week.
 
people continue to disparage his character but i think he's a top lad.
Genuinely wants to win.
Exactly, look at the Sicily references when we lost to the Tiges, then all forgotten when we beat Collingwood.
Wingard speaks really well and is no doubt a competitve beast who wants the best for himself and all.
Genuinely looks like he has found his love for the game again.
 
When he makes it through to the end of the season, a 2year deal will be the easiest decision the club will make this off-season. As others have mentioned he has been enormous these past rounds, but his type of class forward of center is very rare. My favourite adjective in footy is 'Mercurial' and i believe it sums up the Chad to a tee.
 
Chad has played well the past month….when he hasn’t had the luxury of a contract lined up for the following year.

Think there might be something in that for everyone. 😉
He’s played well because he’s got his body right and has confidence in it.
 

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Chad has played well the past month….when he hasn’t had the luxury of a contract lined up for the following year.

Think there might be something in that for everyone. 😉

I fail to see the correlation between his body breaking down and his contract status? Chad’s always been good for us when his body lets him.
 
Chad has played well the past month….when he hasn’t had the luxury of a contract lined up for the following year.

Think there might be something in that for everyone. 😉
Nope, nothing there for me, sorry...
 
He’s played well because he’s got his body right and has confidence in it.

Not only the body but his mindset.

Getting sent to the 2s. Getting back to the basics and enjoying footy. Not trying to be a hero with every possession.

It was the perfect circuit breaker.
 
I love chads intent when he is up and about. Reckon he gets marked really hard - his last month has been exceptional but I would argue any time his body his right he delivers similar.

I think he has real value for us, particularly if we are looking at finals next 2-3 years, but if we can get a good deal and/or he wants to leave then maybe it’s best for everyone.

I’d love to see him get 2 years and be a real match winner when we pitch to September. But equally, if its not to be, then let’s get the best out of it and move on.
 
He’s played well because he’s got his body right and has confidence in it.
His body was fine from rounds 4 to 9, yet we all agreed his output (aside from Rd 7 against the Dogs) wasn’t flash.

A year extension is all that’s required.
 
I fail to see the correlation between his body breaking down and his contract status? Chad’s always been good for us when his body lets him.
Rounds 4 - 9 this year he played all 6 games, but was pretty average, if not below average, for all but 1 game (Rd 7). No need to give him 2 years. Just extend for one and see how he goes.
 
Rounds 4 - 9 this year he played all 6 games, but was pretty average, if not below average, for all but 1 game (Rd 7). No need to give him 2 years. Just extend for one and see how he goes.
You mean when he still didn't have a contract for next year? :rolleyes:
 
You mean when he still didn't have a contract for next year? :rolleyes:
You fail to appreciate the subtlety.

He’s now close to the end of his 12th season and still doesn’t have any contract from Hawthorn in front of him.

I say he would have expected that to naturally follow as 2023 unfolded. He had to play 3 weeks in the reserves and would’ve faced footballing mortality at that stage.

So here we are - and he is facing an uncertain future.

Fear is a great motivator. I’m all for it. Make him sweat a little.

I still say we should give him another year, but making players who haven’t performed to expectations feel a little uncomfortable before doing so is not such a bad thing.
 
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You fail to appreciate the subtlety.

He’s now close to the end of the season and still doesn’t have any contract in front of him.

I say he would have expected that to naturally follow as 2023 unfolded.

Yet here we are - and he is facing an uncertain future.

Fear is a great motivator.

I still say give him another year, but making players who haven’t performed to expectations feel a little uncomfortable before doing so is not such a bad thing.
Fear had nothing to do with it. Sam and Burge have done a wonderful job in getting him fit and enjoying his footy again. They had a plan and full credit to them and wingard that he is playing so well
 
Fear had nothing to do with it. Sam and Burge have done a wonderful job in getting him fit and enjoying his footy again. They had a plan and full credit to them and wingard that he is playing so well
Where’s his contract for 2024 and beyond? Why wasn’t he enjoying footy earlier this year?
 
Where’s his contract for 2024 and beyond? Why wasn’t he enjoying footy earlier this year?
I think its obvious for those paying attention why Wingard wasnt enjoying his footy. Its because he was getting increasingly frustrated with his body. He couldnt do what he wanted to do onfield without breaking down. It doesnt matter now as i said he has worked his way back and learnt to play within his limitations. Lets hope he can continue showing the way for our young players
 

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Welcome Welcome to Hawthorn, Chad Wingard. 200 games! Announces retirement (2 Sept 2024)

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