Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson has thrown his support behind recruit Chad Wingard following criticism thrust upon the forward this week.
Conceding that he was aware of the public scrutiny the two-time All Australian had been under this week, Clarkson cited history as a reason for fans to temper their restlessness.
“There’s all sorts of noise and commentary about his contribution to us, but we’re five weeks into a five or eight-year marriage between him and our football club,” Clarkson told a press conference on Friday.
“We’ve looked at history and looked at the likes of Shaun Burgoyne, Brian Lake, James Frawley, Ben McEvoy, Jack Gunston and all these guys that have come into the football club over the journey.
“The reality is, very few of them have come in and dominated in their first year here.”
Interestingly, of the aforementioned five players, they averaged just slightly over 14 home and away games in their debut seasons in the brown and gold.
The four-time premiership coach said this wasn't an anomaly across his 15 years.
“I don’t know why; you’d like it to be the case that they come in and make enormous contributions in their first year.
“But, by and large, a lot of players take six to 12 months at their new clubs to get really accustomed to their teammates and the club.”
Wingard is set to miss the Hawks’ clash with GWS this weekend after he was withdrawn from the side with hamstring soreness.
Clarkson said the 25-year-old was held out due to precautionary reasons rather than anything serious.
“We don’t want to turn what should be a one-weeker into a five or sixer.
“So, we’ll take a bit of a hit with that this week and hopefully get him back next week.”
