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Chad Wingard’s move from Port Adelaide to Hawthorn will draw inevitable comparisons with Shaun Burgoyne

CHAD Wingard’s move from Port Adelaide to Hawthorn will draw inevitable comparisons with Shaun Burgoyne’s departure from Alberton to the Hawks.

Deal done: Chad Wingard, Ryan Burton trade confirmed

CHAD Wingard follows a golden path from Port Adelaide to Hawthorn. And if he becomes a replica of Shaun Burgoyne with the Hawks, his trade from Alberton will be the ultimate torment for Power fans.

There is an inevitable comparison to come with Burgoyne and Wingard - and the question for Port Adelaide fans will work to the theme: Does lightning burn the Power twice?

A Port Adelaide original with the SANFL Magpies, Burgoyne was a first-round draftee (No. 12 in 2000, gained from Adelaide). Wingard also reached Port Adelaide, from SANFL club Sturt, as a first-round pick (No. 6 in 2011).

Shaun Burgoyne in action for Port Adelaide before leaving Alberton.
Shaun Burgoyne in action for Port Adelaide before leaving Alberton.
Chad Wingard follows Burgoyne from Alberton to Hawthorn. Picture Sarah Reed
Chad Wingard follows Burgoyne from Alberton to Hawthorn. Picture Sarah Reed

Burgoyne left Port Adelaide at the end of 2009 - after coach Mark Williams’ move to make his captain was rebuffed in the board room - with a 157-game record in eight AFL seasons ... and great concern with a knee complaint that was perfectly solved by Hawks (and former Power) fitness boss Andrew Russell.

Wingard leaves the Power after seven seasons - and with Port Adelaide fearing he would walk as a free agent next year - with 147 AFL games on his resume. He is physically sound.

Burgoyne was 27. Wingard is 25.

Burgoyne’s best ranking in the John Cahill Medal count for the Power’s club champion title was to be the runner-up to his great stoppage partner, ruckman Brendon Lade, in 2006 - his fifth season in the big league.

Wingard won the John Cahill Medal is his second season in 2013 - and was runner-up to Robbie Gray in 2015.

Chad Wingard is bumped by Shaun Burgoyne in Hawthorn’s epic 2014 preliminary final victory. Picture : Colleen Petch.
Chad Wingard is bumped by Shaun Burgoyne in Hawthorn’s epic 2014 preliminary final victory. Picture : Colleen Petch.

Burgoyne had an All-Australian jumper - surprisingly his only All-Australian honour - in 2006. He has been an All-Australian nominee twice while with Hawthorn, in 2014 and 2015.

Wingard has two All-Australian titles - in 2013 and 2015.

Burgoyne played in Port Adelaide’s breakthrough AFL premiership team - with his older brother Peter - in 2004 and has added to the trophy cabinet with three flags at Hawthorn (2013, 2014 and 2015).

Wingard has not sampled an AFL grand final. Time will answer if he is on a better path with the Hawks, as Burgoyne found at Hawthorn where team success has overshadowed his personal awards.

Burgoyne delivered two first-round draft picks for Port Adelaide that became Andrew Moore and Jasper Pittard, neither at Alberton today.

Wingard gave the Power a first-round draft pick (No. 15) and the chance to deal to No. 5 in next month’s AFL national draft.

Wingard - like Burgoyne - leaves Alberton after first thinking he would be a one-club player with Port Adelaide.

Shaun Burgoyne and Alastair Clarkson with the 2015 premiership cup. Picture: Colleen Petch
Shaun Burgoyne and Alastair Clarkson with the 2015 premiership cup. Picture: Colleen Petch
Chad Wingard’s Instagram post after Hawthorn trade deal was signed off.
Chad Wingard’s Instagram post after Hawthorn trade deal was signed off.

Wingard reacted to his exit from Alberton saying on social media: “First of all just want to thank the Port Adelaide Football Club for the opportunity to play at the highest level when they drafted me in 2011.

“Has been quite the journey and have enjoyed all the highs and lows with the boys. Thank you to the fans who have been there since day one and supported myself and my family through it all.

“To all the volunteers, staff, coaches and players at Port: Just want to say a massive thank you and I appreciate everything you’ve done for myself and the club. My family have been through a lot over the last month and I appreciate all the support from fans and friends who helped us through this time.

“To the fans, I have always loved you guys, and wish nothing but the best for the boys in the future. But I’m also excited to start my new journey and taking on another challenge. Thank you for the memories Port Adelaide I leave with the greatest memories and appreciation of everything you’ve done for me and my family. Love you guys.”

michelangelo.rucci@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/teams/port-adelaide/chad-wingards-move-from-port-adelaide-to-hawthorn-will-draw-inevitable-comparisons-with-shaun-burgoyne/news-story/558b5d0f413f961b8fbe696df14917a1