Chad Wingard has been picked in two All Australian forward lines.
He is one of the competition’s most dangerous forces around goals, boasting the ability to turn a game on its head off his own boot.
But in recent years, he has also shown a knack for playing in the midfield, recording nine 30-plus disposal games in the past two seasons.
Now entering the brown and gold fold, where star midfielder Tom Mitchell has suffered a likely season-ending leg injury, the question of where Wingard will be lining up is one that even the 25-year-old is pondering.
“It’s a question I’ve thought about a lot in the off-season,” Wingard said.
“Whatever the team needs, I am happy to do.
“After speaking to Clarko, I think the mindset you have to have is wherever you play, you just want to make sure you’re having an impact for the Hawks.”
Alastair Clarkson has been praised for getting the most out of his charges throughout his coaching career, regularly shifting the magnets and adding versatility to the Hawks’ list.
But the four-time premiership coach is keeping his Wingard card close to his chest.
“I’m actually thinking I may start him in the back pocket,” Clarkson said jokingly as he left the track on Friday.
“Anywhere but the backline,” Wingard laughed in response.
For the time being, Wingard is simply focussed on making the most of his new life as a Hawk.
“I think, in the past, I’ve got too caught up in where I play my best footy and I think that can negatively impact the way you perform,” Wingard said.
“I’ve obviously experienced both positions, but it will be up to Clarko and the coaching panel as to what they would like to do going forward.”
