Hawthorn forward Chad Wingard has decided to hang up the boots after 13 years in the AFL, playing 218 games and kicking 300 goals, effective immediately.
Wingard was initially drafted by Port Adelaide ahead of the 2012 season and immediately burst onto the scene, claiming two All-Australian blazers in his first four years.
The exciting left-footer also won the John Cahill Medal (Power best and fairest) in 2013 and a Showdown Medal for his efforts against arch-rivals Adelaide.
Wingard then sought a trade to the Hawks at the conclusion of 2018 as the club attempted to regenerate on the run after finishing in the top four before bowing out in straight sets.
Unfortunately for the two-time All-Australian, his time at Waverley was mostly spent in the rehab room, failing to play a full season barring the COVID-19-impacted year of 2020.
Wingard struggled to make the same impact in the brown and gold as he did at Port Adelaide, succumbing to calf and Achilles issues that have plagued the back half of his career.
Taking to Instagram to reveal the news of his retirement, Wingard acknowledged both clubs and the supporter bases as he signed off for one last time.
"13 years of memories and moments I'll cherish forever," the post said.
"Thank you to Port Adelaide Football Club and Hawthorn Football Club for shaping me into the player and person I am today.
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"To the fans of this great game, thank you, and I hope I played a small part in entertaining you on the weekends during my journey.
"Lastly, my family, thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to be my best every day. ๐ค๐ก x ๐ตโช๏ธโซ๏ธ"
The 31-year-old featured in Box Hill's elimination final loss to the Williamstown Seagulls over the weekend, where he recorded eight touches, six tackles and three marks in the defeat, his last game for the club.
Hawthorn Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney acknowledged Chad's incredible contributions to the game of AFL.
โThere are countless breathtaking moments that Chad has delivered us all over the years that will live long in the memories of the Hawthorn and Port Adelaide faithful,โ McCartney said.
โAlong with his amazing talents on the field, Chad drove himself and others around him to higher levels as a much-respected teammate and leader during his time at Hawthorn.
โChad's influence extended much wider than just his playing feats, he is a significant role model for our First Nations players and staff, with his words and actions being felt across the AFL and wider community.
โChad will always remain an important part of the Hawthorn fabric, and on behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to wish Chad, his fiancรฉ Lilly and his entire family all the very best for the future.โ
As for the Hawks' senior side, they will face the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Friday night.
