Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has no problem with Chad Wingard trying to get the crowd involved during games.
Wingard celebrated in front of the Collingwood faithful after kicking a goal in last week’s four-point loss at the MCG.
The incident occurred early in the fourth quarter as the Hawk ran into an open goal.
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Speaking on SEN Breakfast, Mitchell defended the 28-year-old’s goal celebration.
“I really enjoyed his one on the weekend, I don’t think it was showboating,” he said.
“I think what we have at our club is a real appreciation for what we’ve missed over the last couple of years with fans.
“We want people coming to the footy and when he does that to try and get the crowd involved in the game, I think that actually helps the game, it helps everyone that’s there.
“As a football club, we want people coming to our games and the Hawks fans and members this year have turned up pretty well to be honest.
“When he tries to get the crowd involved, I actually really like that.”
Wingard came in for criticism for staging and taunting an opposition player against Gold Coast in Round 11.
Mitchell says he’s spoken with the dual All-Australian about staging for free kicks.
“Playing for free kicks from last week, I’m not so much a fan of that to be honest,” Mitchell said.
“We had a bit of a chat about that.”
Wingard has kicked a goal in every game he’s played this season.