Chad Wingard started off 2020 like a house on fire, playing central midfield through the first four games and averaging over a ton in coronavirus-adjusted averages. Since then, however, his output has dropped off as his role has tended more towards small forward duties rather than coalface work. This was also his problem as a fantasy player at Port Adelaide: he is great in both spots, but the need up forward is usually greater as gun goalsneaks are far rarer than prolific ballwinners. Owners in keeper leagues were fairly warned about this, and his value is low as a consequence.
Chad Wingard started off 2020 like a house on fire, playing central midfield through the first four games and averaging over a ton in coronavirus-adjusted averages. Since then, however, his output has dropped off as his role has tended more towards small forward duties rather than coalface work. This was also his problem as a fantasy player at Port Adelaide: he is great in both spots, but the need up forward is usually greater as gun goalsneaks are far rarer than prolific ballwinners. Owners in keeper leagues were fairly warned about this, and his value is low as a consequence.
Chad hanging around packs
An injury-riddled first season at the club limited midfield-forward Chad Wingard, his 14 games the lowest turnout across his eight campaigns. The ex-Power player dropped his disposal and goal output, however did produce a significant career high in tackles per outing. He finished the season strongly, averaging 26 and six tackles over the final four weeks as he played almost exclusively in midfield to cover for a string of injuries at the club. Fitness will be the first priority for the dual All-Australian and early indications are positive, with the South Australian enjoying an untrammeled preseason. Expect similar midfield-forward splits to his 2019 season as the Hawks to continue to search for scoreboard impact and fit Tom Mitchell back into their centre rotations. An elite fantasy scorer for periods throughout the 2010s, select Wingard as an upside shot in middle rounds.
Hanging Chad deep?
In a surprising turn of events last October, Chad Wingard was sent from Alberton to Waverley Park. Renowned for his goal kicking exploits, Wingard struggled through the first half of 2018, confined to a forward pocket for a poor performing team. Released into the midfield after the bye, the former Power star enjoyed four games above 30 touches in his last twelve appearances, along with disposal, mark and tackle increases. A dual All Australian, Wingard has suggested coach Alastair Clarkson views the half forward flank as most suited to his skill set, and both of Wingard’s All-Australian seasons have been played in this role. It appears unlikely that the Tom Mitchell injury will significantly affect his role. After the unplanned Cyril Rioli retirement, Wingard appears suited to a deep role. Leave him to others in your draft who overestimate his upside.
En garde, Chad!
The buzz out of Port last preseason was that Chad Wingard would rotate a lot more in midfield than he had in 2016, and the hype was borne out by his best statistical season so far, in between calf and ankle injuries. He maintained a kick-heavy ratio in going from 10:5 to 14:8, lifting his fantasy average by over 20 points with 42% of his touches in the back half. Wingard may not have as hard a body as others inside, which is a knock on him like many of the knocks he copped playing in the guts over the course of the year. There is no doubting his quality, and the club suffers visibly when he's not there. Another off season in the gym to add bulk should see him play out a full season in the packs, so there is even upside for an already valuable fantasy asset.
