I think the degree of ‘failure’ being ascribed to Wingard chosing Hawthorn is the issue. For some of us, the ranting and raving and calling for heads over it is baffling.
In a strict sense, the club ‘failed’ to lure Wingard. Just like I ‘failed’ to resist the lure of carbs yesterday. There are degrees to ‘failure’ that are impacted by the stakes and circumstances.
A player choosing a club that won double the games we did this year and has a list more balanced for immediate success isn’t necessarily a huge failure on Sam Power’s or the club’s strategy to luring him imo. At least that’s not the first conclusion I’ve drawn.
Perhaps Wingard didn’t want to be one of only a handful of late-20s leaders at a rebuilding club? He doesn’t strike me as a roll up the sleeves and lead from the front type.
There are so many possible explanations other than the “Power failed, burn the witch!” option.
That’s not to say he ran a perfect campaign either. I have no idea. But if we’re speculating, there are a bunch of possible explanations I’d give weight to before “club’s stuffed, what a failure, Power stinks” etc.