Chad Wingard could soar like Burgoyne, Rioli: Garry Lyon

KANE Cornes questioned his work ethic and passion for the game as Chad Wingard left Port Adelaide but Melbourne great Garry Lyon has tipped he will be the most influential player at a new club.

• The good, bad and ugly of trade week
• Draft showdown looms
• Toughest decision of my life: Chad
• Crows not finished yet

LEADING commentator Garry Lyon has singled out former Port Adelaide champion Chad Wingard as the player set to have the most impact at his new club as the dust settles on this year's trade period.

Wingard’s move to Hawthorn from Alberton was confirmed on Wednesday — the last day of the week and a half-long player exchange — after it was made known Wingard had had several conversations with coach Ken Hinkley before requesting a trade.

The dual John Cahill Medallist and All Australian has not played to his dazzling potential over the past two seasons, switching between the midfield and the forward line, and was due to become a free agent at the end next season.

But Lyon predicted the move to Waverley Park could be the spark that Wingard, 25, needed to take his game to another level under Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson.

“I’ve been at various stages a massive fan, at other stages disappointed by Chad and what his output is,” Lyon said on Melbourne radio. “But I think his upside is off the charts, Chad Wingard.

“I think he’s an off-the-charts footballer and if anyone can bring it out in him then it is the little master, the little angry man out at Waverley Park (Clarkson) could just get inside Chad’s brain and turn him, a la (Shaun) Burgoyne into something extraordinary.

“He can become Cyril.”

But Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes still had his doubts over Wingard’s future.

He questioned his former teammate’s passion and work ethic and wondered whether he’d ever live up to his vast potential.

“I once said he would be Port Adelaide’s greatest player,” Cornes said on AFL trade radio. “From there I think there has been a lack of work ethic and he gets a bit mopey over pre-season.

“He’s not even scratching the surface of what he could be.”

Cornes and Wingard are different characters: Cornes was known to be absorbed by the game and went to extreme lengths to get the best out of himself, even banging on coach Mark Williams’ door to get answers when not selected.

Wingard, meanwhile, much like West Coast and Carlton great Chris Judd, has often said that there is more to life than football and has conceded he’s not one who’s mind is constantly on the game.

“He’s not a player that lives and breathes the game of footy, so it will be interesting to see what he will be able to do,” Cornes said.