Could Chad Wingard, despite Hawthorn’s pledge, become the latest player to shift clubs after being delisted?
The Age’s Michael Gleeson reports Wingard met with Collingwood on Friday. However, it’s reported that his preference is to remain at Hawthorn, who have committed to redrafting him on the rookie list later this month.
The Hawks delisted Wingard on Thursday despite re-signing him in September. He’s set to miss much of 2024 after tearing his Achilles earlier this year, yet the Hawks have remained faithful to the 30-year-old.
But by delisting Wingard, the dual All-Australian could be taken by a club in the national or rookie draft before he’s picked by the Hawks.
The Age reports Wingard underwent a medical at the Pies on Friday and met with Craig McRae and footy boss Graham Wright, both of who worked with Wingard at Hawthorn.
North Melbourne midfielder Hugh Greenwood famously walked out on the Suns after he was delisted, blindsiding Gold Coast by moving south in the delisted free agency window.
The 2023 free agency window closed on Friday afternoon. Wingard has played 218 AFL games across stints at both Port Adelaide and Hawthorn.