Wingard: Leaving Port ‘very tough’

NEW Hawthorn forwardmidfielder Chad Wingard calls it “the toughest decision of my life” to leave Port Adelaide.

But Wingard, 25, has left questions on just why he had to leave Alberton — “with no bad blood” — while on contract for next season.

Wingard described his parting from the Power as a “mutual agreement,” one formed during his testing exit interviews with coach Ken Hinkley.

“For myself, my footy, my happiness, it is better to move on and start the new journey,” Wingard said.

Of the exit interviews that prompted Wingard to test the market, Wingard said: “There’s a lot of things I have to work on.

“I was willing to do that at Port Adelaide. (But) we came to a mutual agreement where it was best for everyone to part ways.

“It was very tough … but there is no bad blood. Kenny, I’ve learned a lot from him and the club has really improved me as a player and as a person.”

Wingard was chased by Hawthorn, the Western Bulldogs and two other clubs.

Wingard described the Hawks as “a very exciting group”.

“And what they have been telling me is, Hawthorn is a very welcoming club,” Wingard said.

“And it is a club that has been very successful in the past couple of decades. I am hoping to add to that — and really improve my footy because every player who has been there has really improved their footy. That is the main thing.”

Wingard, who was to be a free agent next year, leaves Alberton in a trade that delivers Hawthorn defender Ryan Burton to the Power in a homecoming. Port also gains a first-round draft pick from the Hawks.