Chad Wingard says there was no rift with Ken Hinkley at Port Adelaide and he needed a new challenge

HAWTHORN recruit Chad Wingard has denied he has any “bad blood” with Port Adelaide, saying he felt deep down he needed a new challenge to revitalise his career.

Chad Wingard at Port Adelaide training. Picture: Tom Huntley

HAWTHORN recruit Chad Wingard has denied he has any “bad blood” with Port Adelaide, saying he felt deep down he needed a new challenge to revitalise his career.

The 25-year-old said he was told by Power coach Ken Hinkley during an exit interview that he needed to improve his attitude around training but he always thought he would remain at Alberton Oval until the eve of the trade period.

It was then Wingard was advised through his manager that Port Adelaide was happy for him to explore his options despite being under contract for 2019.

BUCKENARA: WHY HAWTHORN WAS BIG TRADE WINNER

WINGARD: TOUGHEST DECISION OF MY LIFE

THE PHANTOM: SUPERCOACH TRADE PERIOD REVIEW

Eventually a face-to-face meeting with Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson led to the decision to pick the Hawks as his preferred destination, with a deal eventually done which sent South Australian Ryan Burton back to Port Adelaide in return.

“Nothing outrageous happened in that exit meeting,” Wingard said of his post-season chat with Hinkley.

“It was pretty honest, it wasn’t brutal, it was just a pretty honest conversation. Obviously there was things that I need to work on.

Chad Wingard tries on his new colours at Waverley Park.

“I think a little bit of attitude I needed to work on and come to training with a better mindset and that’s things that I’m happy to work on but I suppose I didn’t get told that during the year.

“Obviously (being the) end of the year it was hard because it’s all words, I could promise the world but I didn’t get a chance to prove myself with that.

“I think it was probably about a couple of weeks after that and that’s when my manager came to me and I’m not sure who instigated it but he just said, ‘Port are open to you having a bit of a look around and you can take that whichever way you want’.

“For me it felt like if they’re going to ask me to do that they’re really open it and they want to trade me and that’s the way I took it.”

Wingard had an existing relationship with Clarkson through playing in the International Rules series and also spoke with players including former Port Adelaide teammate Jarman Impey and seasoned Hawks Shaun Burgoyne and Cyril Rioli before settling on the club.

Wingard averaged 20.8 disposals and kicked 22 goals from 21 games this year but has struggled to live up to the heights he reached during a brilliant 2015 season which saw him average 19.2 disposals and kick 53 goals.

Chad Wingard at Port Adelaide training. Picture: Tom Huntley

“I’ve seen Alastair Clarkson and the players that have come here have really improved their game and that’s pretty much the only reason I came here,” Wingard said.

“I was at Port for seven years, had family an hour-and-a-half away. I was very comfortable with where I was at and I think that can be a very dangerous place to be. This is very uncomfortable for me to be in Melbourne playing for another team and I think that’s the challenge that I need.

“Being valued and being wanted is a huge thing and I think I felt that from Hawthorn and it’s a long way away but I’m just excited to get out here and work my arse off.”

Wingard said he would take a one-week overseas holiday to mentally switch off before completing his move to Melbourne and getting stuck into pre-season training.

Confirming he had inked a five-year deal, Wingard said he was not yet sure what Clarkson’s plans were for him and whether his role would be primarily through the midfield or forward next year.