More intrigue as Hawthorn prepares to join Western Bulldogs in hunt for Port Adelaide’s Chad Wingard
PORT Adelaide can expect more intrigue with Chad Wingard as Hawthorn prepares to join the Western Bulldogs in chasing the contracted Power midfielder-forward.
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CHAD Wingard can now count on an auction for his talents with Hawthorn clear to join the Western Bulldogs in courting the contracted Port Adelaide star.
The Hawks’ search to answer coach Alastair Clarkson’s call for class has failed to deliver Greater Western Sydney midfielder Dylan Shiel who is seeking a trade to Essendon.
And while Hawthorn — that already has an interest in trading for Power midfielder-forward Karl Amon — consider how far it can stretch its salary cap and strict wage system for Wingard, Port Adelaide is standing aside from the never-ending debate on Wingard’s future.
Power football chief Chris Davies on Tuesday drew the line on the Wingard saga.
Wingard either asks for a trade — or reports to pre-season training next month to complete his contract before becoming a free agent next year.
“We’re planning for Chad to be at our club in 2019,” Davies said.
“If Chad wants to leave, that’s a conversation he needs to have (with us). Right now, there’s no conversation we’ve had with him or his management that definitely suggests he wants out.”
That “conversation” between Port Adelaide and Wingard will be triggered by a rival AFL club putting a significant offer — such as a five-year, $5 million deal — before the 2013 Power club champion.
The Western Bulldogs last week formally declared their interest in 25-year-old Wingard.
The Hawks kept their focus on Shiel, who was courted by three other Victorian-based teams (Essendon, Carlton and St Kilda).
Shiel’s impending move to the Bombers allows for Wingard’s management to maximise offers as the Bulldogs and Hawthorn are compelled to put forward their best deals.
Port Adelaide’s asking price to release Wingard from his contract would be at least one first-round draft pick, although coach Ken Hinkley has suggested two first-round calls.
Hawthorn currently has picks 15, 35 and 53 in next month’s AFL national draft.
The Western Bulldogs have 7, 27 and 45.
Davies left the opening round of trade talks noting: “Some clubs have expressed interest, but none of that has been compelling enough for us to change our mind.”
Wingard’s future continues to draw fascination and comment across the AFL, particularly while the South Australian says nothing of his intent. He left more intrigue — rather than clarity — with his social media message last week when he vowed to tell “my side of the story when the time is right ... dw (don’t worry) about that”.
Port Adelaide premiership midfielder Kane Cornes says this Instagram post made the club furious.
Cornes added: “Chad Wingard has a decision to make. Port Adelaide’s belief is that if he does leave, it will be a decision based on money and also the fact was not shown a lot of love in his exit meeting with Ken Hinkley at the end of the season.”
Amon’s move to a Melbourne-based club — to be closer to his family — continues to be destined to either Hawthorn or St Kilda.
Amon’s manager Liam Pickering said on Tuesday: “It’s a discussion absolutely with Hawthorn, we’ve spoken to St Kilda about him as well
“But he’s contracted at Port Adelaide. If we can get him back to Melbourne, I think both parties would probably look at it — including the Power.
“He’s not unhappy at Port Adelaide, but opportunities, he didn’t get a lot of them this year.”
Amon, a fourth-round draftee (No. 68) in 2013, played six AFL games this season — less than any count in his the previous three years — to take his career total to 42.
michelangelo.rucci@news.com.au