STAR Hawthorn recruit Chad Wingard is keen to relaunch his first season with the Hawks with a big Sir Doug Nicholls Round against old side Port Adelaide.
The mercurial forward doesn't exactly need a 'do-over' for the start of the second phase of his AFL career in brown and gold, but it hasn't been a smooth transition to date.
Calf issues slowed Wingard's preparation following his surprise off-season trade from the Power, but he immediately endeared himself to fans with three goals in his club debut in round three.
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He managed just three goals in the next four games before a hamstring injury in a round seven loss to Melbourne, when he also received some strong onfield feedback from his new forward teammates.
But Wingard has put in a solid training block since then and is pressing his claims to play in Saturday's clash in Launceston.
"I know he was really close (to playing) last week," teammate Shaun Burgoyne told reporters on Tuesday.
"I know when I came across I was really keen to play against my old team as well, so he's super-excited.
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"We need him in the team, we need him firing and playing the best footy that he can.
"He's had a tough couple of months because he came into the team off no pre-season, played a couple of games sore then went back out.
"He's got a bit of conditioning under his belt now and he's pretty excited."
Burgoyne has taken a special interest in Wingard since he followed him and Jarman Impey in switching from the Power to the Hawks.
Like Wingard, Burgoyne's trade in 2009 was unexpected and he also began life at Hawthorn under an injury cloud.
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The pair live just a few streets away from each other and often share a ride to the club.
"We chat about all things ... adapting to Melbourne, footy – all different things," Burgoyne said.
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"I think probably the big thing for most players when they change clubs is you want to impress your teammates, you want to play good footy, but you've got to take your time as well.
"It builds over time. Unfortunately for him he's been injured, so we're just having regular chats, but he's adapted really well to our club, he's settled in.
"We just need him on the field now.
"... I'm very excited by what he can bring to the team."
