According to AFL.com.au, Wingard is expected to miss the first few months of 2024 due to a major Achilles injury, but he is motivated to play again after signing a one-year contract extension in September.
WHO’S SAID IT QUITS: Retirements and delistings in 2023
Stephens hasn’t played a senior game for the Hawks since leaving Geelong at the end of the previous year.
The duo have been removed from the club’s senior list but will return to the Hawks via the rookie draft on November 22.
“The changes will allow the club to utilise all selections acquired prior and during the recent trade period leading into this month’s AFL national draft,” the club said in a statement.
The Hawks have picks 4, 44, 47, 49, 62, 63 and 83 in the national draft.
Wingard underwent surgery in August and is expected to be sidelined for at least nine months.
The 30-year-old is aiming to be fully fit by June, providing him with 10-12 weeks of football in the second half of the season to prove he can extend his career beyond 2024.
Stephens hasn’t played a senior game for the Hawks since leaving Geelong at the end of the previous year.
The duo have been removed from the club’s senior list but will return to the Hawks via the rookie draft on November 22.
