CHAD WINGARD has used social media to issue a heartfelt farewell message to the Port Adelaide Football Club and its supporters.

Wingard has been traded to Hawthorn as part of a complicated deal which sees the Power land Hawthorn’s Ryan Burton, Brisbane’s Sam Mayes and picks 5 and 15.

THE DEAL: Club welcomes Burton & Mayes, farewells Wingard

Wingard, 25, had requested a trade to the Hawks, a year out from reaching free agency.

“First of all just want to thank the Port Adelaide Football Club for the opportunity to play at the highest level when they drafted me in 2011,” Wingard wrote in his social media post.

“Has been quite the journey and have enjoyed all the highs and lows with the boys.

“Thank you to the fans who have been there since day one and supported myself and my family through it all." 

View this post on Instagram

First of all just want to thank the port Adelaide football club for the opportunity to play at the highest level when they drafted me in 2011. Has been quite the journey and have enjoyed all the highs and lows with the boys. Thank you to the fans who have been there since day one and supported myself and my family through it all, massive thanks to chokito in Perth who always took my family in on there trips to WA. To all the volunteers, staff, coaches and players at port: just want to say a massive thank you and I appreciate everything you’ve done for myself and the club. My family have been through a lot over the last month and I appreciate all the support from fans and friends who helped us through this time. To the fans, I have always loved you guys, and wish nothing but the best for the boys in the future. But I’m also excited to start my new journey and taking on another challenge. Thank you for the memories port Adelaide I leave with the greatest memories and appreciation of everything you’ve done for me and my family :). Love you guys

A post shared by wings (@chadwingard) on



Wingard played 147 games since being recruited from Sturt in the 2011 AFL National Draft.

The Murray Bridge product is twice an All-Australian and won the 2013 John Cahill Medal.

While he made special mention of everyone at the club that helped him achieve his success, he said he was excited for his next challenge with the Hawks.

“To all the volunteers, staff, coaches and players at port: just want to say a massive thank you and I appreciate everything you’ve done for myself and the club,” Wingard wrote.

“My family have been through a lot over the last month and I appreciate all the support from fans and friends who helped us through this time.

“To the fans, I have always loved you guys, and wish nothing but the best for the boys in the future.”

“Thank you for the memories Port Adelaide I leave with the greatest memories and appreciation of everything you’ve done for me and my family :). Love you guys.”

Chad Wingard
Debuted 2012
Played 147 AFL games for 232 goals
Recruited from Sturt with pick 6 in 2011 National Draft
2012 Rd 22 nomination for NAB Rising Star
Gavin Wanganeen Medal 2012
All-Australian 2013, 2015
22-under22 team 2013, 2014, 2015
John Cahill Medal 2013
Club leading goalkicker 2015 (51), 2016 (38)

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