Chad Wingard is fit and will bounce back to his best, says Power assistant coach Aaron Greaves

PORT Adelaide insists Chad Wingard’s mind is on the job despite a rollercoaster form ride punctuated by a disappointing showing in its three-point loss to Hawthorn in Launceston.

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PORT Adelaide insists Chad Wingard’s mind is on the job despite a rollercoaster form ride punctuated by a disappointing showing in its three-point loss to Hawthorn in Launceston.

Wingard was electric in the Port’s five-goal first quarter in Launceston on Saturday but his skills and decision making melted — with teammates — over the ensuing three quarters.

Port insists Wingard is “fit” despite labouring with hamstring soreness for the majority of the season leaving critics to question his commitment with 11 goals in nine games.

Port Adelaide's Chad Wingard head of the game against Hawthorn at UTAS Stadium. Picture: AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy

Ken Hinkley said Port was a “good strong travelling team” entering the Launceston trip but couldn’t dent the Hawks superb record at the venue. Hawthorn has won 23 of its 25 past games at the University of Tasmania Stadium.

“No doubt Chad will be disappointed from this game and I am sure he will bounce back.

We look forward to see what brings Friday night,” said Power assistant coach Aaron Greaves ahead of a prime time clash against premier Richmond at Adelaide Oval.

“He has probably been up and down a little bit but adds an enormous amount to our side.”

Asked if Ken Hinkley’s hierarchy considered axing its 2013 All Australian, Greaves said: “It is not a conversation we have had. We know Chad’s value to our side.”

Port Adelaide's Chad Wingard marks against Hawthorn at UTAS Stadium. Picture: Chris Kidd

Wingard can win matches and frustrate in equal measure but the Power says the 135-game forward can be victim of expectation.

“Chad is a very skilful player and did make a few errors that if other people had made them would have gone unnoticed,” Greaves said.

“People, Chad does and we do have such high standards of his performance that they become more aware.”

Wingard’s decision to forego a set shot 45 metres out and offload an errant handpass to Riley Bonner in the final quarter could be explained by the tough conditions Greaves said.

“If you look at the shots taken it was quite a difficult end to score from. Chad felt he couldn’t get the distance and Riley is one of our penetrators with the ball and it was just poor execution,” said Greaves.

Robbie Gray was again outstanding with four goals but Wingard has teammates also struggling for consistency while Port’s entry inside 50 remains an issue.

“Inconsistent no doubt. His Gold Coast game we were really happy with, thought he had a great impact, loved his defensive intent down forward and what we saw on the weekend he probably wasn’t on his own,” said Greaves.

“I don’t think Chad is the only player we need to focus on, have several players who have been inconsistent. We have been a little bit like that as a side.

“The forwards cop a bit when we don’t move the ball well, lock in our forward half.”

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