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

[HairyO]

6 goals in 4 games. Im pretty sure Clarko would be happy with that start. The rust will get sanded away, and the rest of our forwards will start to gel.

He is certainly having more impact than Gunston who seems to be stuck in quite a big rut with his kicking at the moment.

 

[kazzooka]

Forward pocket, although our slingshot game plan back then meant the role involved pushing through the midfield and exploiting the chaos and space when the ball was turned over and we'd be streaming forward.

My opinion only but in those first couple years although he was lightly built, it meant he was more agile and had quicker burst speed to get that all important separation on his opponent.*

Now he seems more solid so his physical attributes probably lend themselves more to a midfield role.


*with that said I'd prefer the more lightly framed Chad return so we get to see more of this:

aparently before the calf injury had stripped 3-4kg off. 8 weeks of rehabbing may have loaded it back on if he didn't eat pefect. Many players eat a lot as they are so active, so if they don't adjust when they need to rest weight comes on quick.

 

[4THAWN]

Wingard was like the wayward son that could do no wrong with 90% of Port supporters. We mostly blamed the coaching staff for not playing him in the midfield, and were frustrated that he was going cold in the forward pocket (especially since our game plan meant the forward line typically had 40 men crowding it and he had zero room to move).

Early on in the year a poster with a connection to our fitness team made comments on his lack of effort in this department, but most found it hard to criticise Wingard since he still performed in the best half dozen at the club once he was moved to a midfield role.

In hindsight there ended up being a lot of fire where that smoke came from and we all know the rest. While he let his standards slip, at the end of the day you'll have a handful of these kind of talents go through your club every generation and it was the coaching staff's job to bring the best out of him, which they failed to do. Additional frustration as it meant his trade currency was at an all time low when he was traded, and although obviously happy with how Duursma, Burton and Rozee are panning out, a 2014 Chad should have required Pick 1 in a trade.

I just don't see how this bloke is a midfielder and not a forward. His best years have been played in the forward line, he has already showed great forward nuance and IQ in his first games at Hawthorn, and he's like what 180cm? Sure he can play some midfield minutes but I really struggle to see how he's a genuine midfielder.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

I just don't see how this bloke is a midfielder and not a forward. His best years have been played in the forward line, he has already showed great forward nuance and IQ in his first games at Hawthorn, and he's like what 180cm? Sure he can play some midfield minutes but I really struggle to see how he's a genuine midfielder.

He's shown that he can play as a genuine midfielder.

Wingard moved into the midfield in the second half of 2018 and starred when he played there, averaging 26 disposals, 6 clearances, 5 inside 50's and 13 contested possessions between Rounds 12-19, regularly leading Port's disposal count.

In fact, the only time he didn't star was against Melbourne(in yellow), when he played more of a high half forward role - see his heat map.

In Round 23, he had 32 possession, 17 contested, 6 clearances and 7 inside 50's.

During that block of games where Wingard played predominantly as a midfielder(see the heat maps of his possessions), he averaged numbers that were on par if not better than players such as Cotchin, Selwood, Pendlebury, Bontempelli etc.

 

[threesixpio]

I think the small forward who can play in the middle is a great mix anyway

Why choose

 

[4THAWN]

He's shown that he can play as a genuine midfielder.

Wingard moved into the midfield in the second half of 2018 and starred when he played there, averaging 26 disposals, 6 clearances, 5 inside 50's and 13 contested possessions between Rounds 12-19, regularly leading Port's disposal count.

In fact, the only time he didn't star was against Melbourne(in yellow), when he played more of a high half forward role - see his heat map.

In Round 23, he had 32 possession, 17 contested, 6 clearances and 7 inside 50's.

During that block of games where Wingard played predominantly as a midfielder(see the heat maps of his possessions), he averaged numbers that were on par if not better than players such as Cotchin, Selwood, Pendlebury, Bontempelli etc.

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i see i see, but to be fair comparing him to pendles, bont in the guts is a bit off cause their known for their disposal rather than possession getting ability.

Worpel is currently averaging 6 clearances and 5 inside 50s from 25 disposals, pretty much identical numbers to what chad has averaged in the period you speak of.

Like seriously, you want another second year worpel running around when you could (hopefully) have a second year wingard

 

[COKEandCOLA]

I mentioned last week that I'd like it if Wingard played a role similar to Michael Walters from Fremantle.

It appears as though it's roughly a 50/50 split however he's been given the freedom to rotate between the two as he sees fit.

Surely with the success and output that Wingard displayed last season in the midfield combined with our current injury and depth situation it'd be worth a shot?

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

i see i see, but to be fair comparing him to pendles, bont in the guts is a bit off cause their known for their disposal rather than possession getting ability.

Worpel is currently averaging 6 clearances and 5 inside 50s from 25 disposals, pretty much identical numbers to what chad has averaged in the period you speak of.

Like seriously, you want another second year worpel running around when you could (hopefully) have a second year wingard

If Chad can get his match fitness and system understanding up in the next month, we will absolutely reap the rewards of having him roll through the middle.

 

[tige19]

Classic reading that niggles effect Gunnos ability to kick goals through the big sticks, if he can run and hit a target by foot during the game when under pressure then he sure as hell can go back and kick straight from 30-40mtrs out, what a load of garbage people making excuses for him. I have no doubt he is carrying an injury but Gunno is out there, he is one of our very best and a legitimate star of the comp so he needs to lift.

On Chad, you see when he plays, everything he is involved in is positive, he impacts the game at levels that are very very very hard to compare with, he is very Cyril Rioli like in that sense. Once Chad gets his full fitness and understands our game style, understands our structures and feels comfortable he will be electric, make no mistake he will be one of the best in the comp during his time with us.

 

[Noel Gallagher]

Repeating myself here bit I wasn’t ovely thrilled with the Chad trade and feel even less comfortable now. Pick 18 was used by Port to secure Xavier Dursma who is tearing it up in his first year and just received a rising star nom - looks every bit a future 12-14 year player with serious tricks. To give that up along with Ryan Burton and a third round pick appears well overs.

If Chad ends up playing another 6-7 years at his previously high level no issues. I’m worried though that he may be past his best and cameo brilliant games may be the best we could hope for. Again I really hope I’m wrong but I would like to see us invest heavily now in first second round picks rather than selling the farm to bring in certain players.It worked with JOM but jury is well and truly out withme re Chad

 

[tige19]

Repeating myself here bit I wasn’t ovely thrilled with the Chad trade and feel even less comfortable now. Pick 18 was used by Port to secure Xavier Dursma who is tearing it up in his first year and just received a rising star nom - looks every bit a future 12-14 year player with serious tricks. To give that up along with Ryan Burton and a third round pick appears well overs.

If Chad ends up playing another 6-7 years at his previously high level no issues. I’m worried though that he may be past his best and cameo brilliant games may be the best we could hope for. Again I really hope I’m wrong but I would like to see us invest heavily now in first second round picks rather than selling the farm to bring in certain players.It worked with JOM but jury is well and truly out withme re Chad

A 25-26 year old is coming into his peak years of 26-30, I think the best is yet to come.

 

[Mojo]

Bloody hell. If posters are already putting a line through Wingard, there's a couple of screws loose in your noggin'.

 

[Hawk_francais]

Repeating myself here bit I wasn’t ovely thrilled with the Chad trade and feel even less comfortable now. Pick 18 was used by Port to secure Xavier Dursma who is tearing it up in his first year and just received a rising star nom - looks every bit a future 12-14 year player with serious tricks. To give that up along with Ryan Burton and a third round pick appears well overs.

If Chad ends up playing another 6-7 years at his previously high level no issues. I’m worried though that he may be past his best and cameo brilliant games may be the best we could hope for. Again I really hope I’m wrong but I would like to see us invest heavily now in first second round picks rather than selling the farm to bring in certain players.It worked with JOM but jury is well and truly out withme re Chad

Past his best? Jury is out? He's 25 and he's played 3 games.

 

[4THAWN]

Through 4 games predominantly as a forward, chad's averaging 1.5 goals, 1 behind, 1 goal assist, 5 score involvements, 3.5 tackles, 2.8 marks, 1.5 clearances, 2.5 inside 50s from 13.5 disposals. Yes, low possession numbers but playing in a new team can only expect those to rise significantly. When he does get the ball, generally something happens. Easy to see his all round class and ability.

 

[Noel Gallagher]

Through 4 games predominantly as a forward, chad's averaging 1.5 goals, 1 behind, 1 goal assist, 5 score involvements, 3.5 tackles, 2.8 marks, 1.5 clearances, 2.5 inside 50s from 13.5 disposals. Yes, low possession numbers but playing in a new team can only expect those to rise significantly. When he does get the ball, generally something happens. Easy to see his all round class and ability.

Through 4 games predominantly as a forward, chad's averaging 1.5 goals, 1 behind, 1 goal assist, 5 score involvements, 3.5 tackles, 2.8 marks, 1.5 clearances, 2.5 inside 50s from 13.5 disposals. Yes, low possession numbers but playing in a new team can only expect those to rise significantly. When he does get the ball, generally something happens. Easy to see his all round class and ability.

There is no question about Chad class. It’s all about a simple equation- Will Chad justify the hefty price tag we paid for him??? Time will tell, again hope I’m just jumping at shadows and proven wrong

 

[eldorado]

Pick 18 was used by Port to secure Xavier Dursma who is tearing it up in his first year and just received a rising star nom - looks every bit a future 12-14 year player with serious tricks. To give that up along with Ryan Burton and a third round pick appears well overs.

So we would have Duursma now, would we?

 

[Noel Gallagher]

So we would have Duursma now, would we?

Potentially yes, pick 15 we gave to Port ended up being pick 18 which Port used to take Dursma. As it stands now I would much rather have Dursma (18) Burton (22) and pick 35 which ended up being pick 40 Tom Joyce than Chad Wingard.

I was also disappointed we didnt take a chance on Sydney Stack. Yes he has offfield issues and we got burnt in the past with a talented player of similar ilk, but gee he has some serious talent and was picked up as a rookie by Richmond

Again easy in hindsight but I feared then that we overpaid and potentially missed a serious young talent i trading away a first round pickin a seriously strong draft

 

[TheFourPillars]

Potentially yes, pick 15 we gave to Port ended up being pick 18 which Port used to take Dursma. As it stands now I would much rather have Dursma (18) Burton (22) and pick 35 which ended up being pick 40 Tom Joyce than Chad Wingard.

I was also disappointed we didnt take a chance on Sydney Stack. Yes he has offfield issues and we got burnt in the past with a talented player of similar ilk, but gee he has some serious talent and was picked up as a rookie by Richmond

Again easy in hindsight but I feared then that we overpaid and potentially missed a serious young talent i trading away a first round pickin a seriously strong draft

Were you one to jump on about overpaying for Jaegar? Or Big Boy or Lake cos I feel like this is on going theme on this board about overpaying. You pay the PRICE lest you regret it - Late Alan Jeans

 

[4THAWN]

Potentially yes, pick 15 we gave to Port ended up being pick 18 which Port used to take Dursma. As it stands now I would much rather have Dursma (18) Burton (22) and pick 35 which ended up being pick 40 Tom Joyce than Chad Wingard.

I was also disappointed we didnt take a chance on Sydney Stack. Yes he has offfield issues and we got burnt in the past with a talented player of similar ilk, but gee he has some serious talent and was picked up as a rookie by Richmond

Again easy in hindsight but I feared then that we overpaid and potentially missed a serious young talent i trading away a first round pickin a seriously strong draft

correct me if im wrong, but weren't port adelaide pretty deadset on getting rozee and duursma the 'elite' boys from adelaide?. If it wasn't us getting wingard, what makes you think someone else wouldn't have given port a pick they would've used on duursma.

Yes, in isolation we paid "overs" for wingard, but when you combine that we got Scrimshaw for pick 80 to replace burton, and got scully for pick 75 we essentially gained 1 gun wingman and 1 gun forward at the cost of picks 15, 35, 75 and 80. Doesn't sound bad when you put it that way.

 

[Noel Gallagher]

Were you one to jump on about overpaying for Jaegar? Or Big Boy or Lake cos I feel like this is on going theme on this board about overpaying. You pay the PRICE lest you regret it - Late Alan Jeans

No issues at all with JOM deal at the time. Was 22 years old and a rising star winner pre injuries.Lake was an absolute no brainer second round pick and something else for the best full back in the league. Gotta admit I was pretty nervy about the big boy deal but was proven wrong

 

[4THAWN]

correct me if im wrong, but weren't port adelaide pretty deadset on getting rozee and duursma the 'elite' boys from adelaide?. If it wasn't us getting wingard, what makes you think someone else wouldn't have given port a pick they would've used on duursma.

Yes, in isolation we paid "overs" for wingard, but when you combine that we got Scrimshaw for pick 80 to replace burton, and got scully for pick 75 we essentially gained 1 gun wingman and 1 gun forward at the cost of picks 15, 35, 75 and 80. Doesn't sound bad when you put it that way.

And to be perfectly honest, im not sure I'd even take Burton over Scrimmers head to head.

 

[COKEandCOLA]

Repeating myself here bit I wasn’t ovely thrilled with the Chad trade and feel even less comfortable now. Pick 18 was used by Port to secure Xavier Dursma who is tearing it up in his first year and just received a rising star nom - looks every bit a future 12-14 year player with serious tricks. To give that up along with Ryan Burton and a third round pick appears well overs.

If Chad ends up playing another 6-7 years at his previously high level no issues. I’m worried though that he may be past his best and cameo brilliant games may be the best we could hope for. Again I really hope I’m wrong but I would like to see us invest heavily now in first second round picks rather than selling the farm to bring in certain players.It worked with JOM but jury is well and truly out withme re Chad

Sorry mate but if you're once again you're mistaken in how you're dissecting this trade.

We gave last years 1st and 2nd Round Selections plus Ryan Burton as well as the 4th Round Selection the we received of the Western Bulldogs in the Taylor Duryea trade.

In return we received Chad Wingard and Port Adelaide's 3rd Round Selection this year.

I do agree that we paid a hefty price however he's a once in a generation type of players and those don't come cheap.

We also paid a hefty price for Jaeger O'Meara but once he reaches his potential we'll all forget what we traded for him.

I'm hoping that it'll be the same in Wingard's case too.

The trade is all outlined in the below article.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/couple...e/news-story/8276750c3645f90d88163fc2219685dd

Maybe try forgetting what he cost us in trade currency and focus on how good it'll be to have him on our list once he gets his fitness base up and starts to get better with his new teammates.

He used to tear us to shreds whenever we played Port Adelaide and I'm eagerly waiting for him to play a big part in our side tearing others to shreds

 

[Schulzenfest]

correct me if im wrong, but weren't port adelaide pretty deadset on getting rozee and duursma the 'elite' boys from adelaide?. If it wasn't us getting wingard, what makes you think someone else wouldn't have given port a pick they would've used on duursma.

Duursma isn't from Adelaide. Country Vic boy.

Sorry mate but if you're once again you're mistaken in how you're dissecting this trade.

We gave last years 1st and 2nd Round Selections plus Ryan Burton as well as the 4th Round Selection the we received of the Western Bulldogs in the Taylor Duryea trade.

In return we received Chad Wingard and Port Adelaide's 2nd Round Selection this year.

And we gave you our third pick this year, not our second.

 

[COKEandCOLA]

Duursma isn't from Adelaide. Country Vic boy.



And we gave you our third pick this year, not our second.

Correct and edited, sorry I'm typing and working at the same time

If you look at my posts in our Trade and FA Hypothetical thread you'll see I'm aware of it being a 3rd Round Selection we received back.

 

[Zack]

Thought for the first time this year he actually worked through/into the game. Little bit here, little bit there, nothing spectacular but far better overall. He wasn't disappearing for large chunks.

Hopefully that now sets the bar at it's nadir, and he continues to improve.