AFL news 2023 | Hawthorn’s Chad Wingard suffers lacerated tongue injury, Sam Mitchell comments
Hawthorn star Chad Wingard was forced out of their clash against the Giants after he partially severed his tongue mid-way through the second quarter.
His side down by three goals, Wingard attempted a mark and hit his head heavily on the ground, where he suffered the gruesome tongue injury. Blood immediately began pouring from his mouth.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell confirmed the news after the match.
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“I saw him at half-time, I think he’s got a lacerated tongue which needs surgery so that sounds horrible,” he said.
“He’ll head back to Melbourne tonight with some of the staff … to be honest lacerated tongue surgery, I’ve never heard of that before but I can’t imagine that’s feeling that great for him.”
Mitchell confirmed Wingard was taken to hospital during the game too.
Wingard was subsequently substituted out of the game late in the second quarter for Cam McKenzie.
The horrific situation added insult to injury in the end for Hawthorn, with the side blowing a third quarter lead to do gown by just two points – 11.9 (75) to 10.17 (77).
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Giants forward Harry Himmelberg was the hero, excelling in the final two minutes of the match.
The tall 26-year-old, kicked the winning goal before making a desparate save on his own goal line when Hawks back Jarman Impey looked like he’d sealed victory.
While Himmelberg stole the limelight, Giants captain Toby Greene led from the front with a three-goal effort along with Jesse Hogan kicking two.
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