If Hawthorn wants Chad Wingard, the Hawks must be prepared to give up something of value

CHAD Wingard has often been regarded as one of the most exciting players in the competition. And if the Hawks want to add him, they are going to need to give up something good, writes Jon Anderson.

Alastair Clarkson with young gun Ryan Burton. Picture: Getty Images

IF Hawthorn fans require an assessment as to the worth of Chad Wingard, they need to find Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley for an off the record chat.

For it was in such a forum a couple of seasons back that Hinkley made it extremely clear he rated Wingard among the absolute elite in the competition.

Now 25, and with 147 games to his name, Wingard should be about to enter the best three or four seasons of his life, and with the Hawks he will get that opportunity as an outside midfielder who can go forward.

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It will see him, along with Jaeger O’Meara, get on the end of Tom Mitchell’s extraordinary contested ball work, akin to what Gerard Healy used to do with Greg Williams at Sydney 30-odd years ago.

And to get something very good then you normally have to give something good, which the Hawks are doing with Pick 13 and a promising 21-year-old in Ryan Burton.

Chad Wingard wants to join Hawthorn. Picture: Sarah Reed

I would suggest those disenfranchised Hawthorn supporters back their list management, and as always coach Alastair Clarkson, to have made the correct long-term decision.

After all, how many times has Clarkson got it wrong over the journey?

Originally published as If Hawthorn wants Chad Wingard, the Hawks must be prepared to give up something of value