AFL 2024: Chad Wingard continues to step forward at Hawthorn training
A few veteran Hawks took it easy away from the main group but Chad Wingard used training to continue to take steps forward as he eyes a return from his nasty achilles injury.
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Veteran Hawk Chad Wingard showed his most positive signs yet in the slow build from an achilles rupture on Saturday.
The creative forward popped his achilles in the opening minutes of round 22 last year but is on track to return well before the 12 month mark.
During a light session on Saturday morning, Wingard continued to build on his fitness, reaching strong speeds on running.
He worked through resistance band training before having a light kick to end the session.
The 30-year old met with Collingwood in the off-season, with Hawthorn’s knowledge, but stuck with the Hawks.
Wingard was handed a new deal at Waverley partly because of the optimism that he would play a strong chunk of 2024, while providing valuable leadership to a forward line that has now added Jack Ginnivan, Nick Watson, Mabior Chol and Jack Gunston.
Gunston spent Saturday’s session jogging laps alone, while Jarman Impey and Karl Amon both took it easy away from the group.
Swingman Denver Grainger-Barras was another player taking it easy after an ankle tweak late last month.
Saturday was a light run on the legs after the Hawks pushed through a heavy match simulation on Thursday.
The Hawks will be without Wingard, budding star midfielder Will Day (foot) and Seamus Mitchell (jaw) for two practice matches against the Western Bulldogs but have been largely healthy otherwise.
Spearhead Mitch Lewis has hit full fitness after a foot injury and ankle roll hit his early pre-season, while Chol has pushed past a knee worry.
Changkuoth Jiath has also entered full training in the past few weeks after a trip to Doha to sort out his groin issues.
Coach Sam Mitchell has also returned into full work after his health scare over the new year period and he was happily guiding the group at training on Saturday.
Hawthorn meets the Bulldogs on February 23 (unofficial game) and March 2 (official) and face traditional rivals Essendon in round 1 on March 16.
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Originally published as AFL 2024: Chad Wingard continues to step forward at Hawthorn training
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