AFL star Chad Wingard retires
The Murray Bridge footballer has called time on a 13-year career with Hawthorn and Port Adelaide.
AFL star Chad Wingard, one of the most talented footballers the Murraylands has ever produced, has announced his retirement.
The 31-year-old veteran made the announcement on his Instagram page on Monday morning, after “13 years of memories and moments I’ll cherish forever”.
“Thank you to Port Adelaide Football Club and Hawthorn Football Club for shaping me into the player and person I am today,” he said.
“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.”
Wingard played 218 games and booted 300 goals at the game’s top level after being drafted by Port Adelaide in 2011, then moving to Hawthorn in 2019.
He was named to the All-Australian team twice, in 2013 and 2015; won the Power’s best and fairest award in 2013; and took the AFL’s mark of the year, a screamer against St Kilda, in 2014.
He did not play a senior game this season after suffering an achilles injury in August 2023.
Hawthorn executive Rob McCartney was among those who paid tribute to the retiring star.
“There 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,” McCartney said.
“Along 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.
“Chad’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.
“Chad 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 fiancee Lilly and his entire family all the very best for the future.”
Wingard went to school at Unity College in Murray Bridge and grew up playing footy for Imperials, kicking five goals in a winning grand final as a teenager in 2009.
