Chad Wingard has announced his retirement from the AFL, one day after a VFL final that proved to be his last game for the Hawks.
The 31-year-old’s career was on the brink late last year when he sustained a ruptured Achilles just minutes into Hawthorn’s Round 22 game against the Western Bulldogs.
Negotiating a new contract at the time, the midfield-forward star received a one-year lifeline and fought to return to the senior side midway through this season.
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But form, niggling injuries and the AFL side’s impressive winning streak conspired to keep Wingard in the VFL.
He played in Box Hill’s elimination final defeat to Williamstown on Saturday and confirmed he would now walk away from the top level despite Hawthorn’s AFL finals tilt kicking off this weekend.
“Thirteen years of memories and moments I’ll cherish forever,” Wingard wrote.
“Thank you to Port Adelaide football club and Hawthorn football club for shaping me into the player and person I am today.
“To the fans of this great game, thank you, and I hope I played a small part in entertaining you on the weekends during my journey.
“Lastly, my family, thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to be my best every day.”
The South Australian was drafted by Port Adelaide after their worst year in the AFL in 2011 and played 19 games in his first season.
He broke out in his second year, kicking an impressive 43 goals to win the club’s best and fairest and a spot in the All Australian team, as Port reached the semi-finals.
A similar haul followed in 2014 when the Power got within a kick of the grand final.
Wingard kicked a career-best 54 goals in 2015 — earning his second All Australian blazer — but Port Adelaide missed the finals.
He secured a trade to Hawthorn in 2019 and notched up 68 goals in his 71 AFL games for the club.