IT’S hard to believe sometimes that Chad Wingard is still only 22.
His consistency belies his years and his ability to turn a game on its head is second to none.
When Port Adelaide needs a goal at a vital time in a game, so often it is Chad who stands up.
But it’s not just the career-high 53 goals he’s kicked in 2015 that’s been elite, it’s his ability to involve teammates in the game – he’s ranked #5 in the AFL for scoreboard impact (53.27 himself and 18.7 assisted. In 2013 he was ranked #17 in AFL).
He averages almost 8 score involvements each game (#1 at PAFC) and gains 372 metres each week (#4 at PAFC).
Wingard’s 2015 numbers trump his previous All-Australian numbers (2013) in just about every category. He also went on an 8-game streak between Round 10 and Round 18 when he kicked at least 3 goals in each game.
BOAK: All-Australian contender
Of all the Power’s All-Australian contenders, Wingard would be the shortest priced to make the final team.
Who he’s competing with to make the team?
Eddie Betts (54 goals) and Cyril Rioli (35) are the most obvious contenders for a small forward position. Luke Breust, Jake Stringer and Tory Dickson could also be considered for the role, but probably fit more into the mid-sized forward range. Betts may have an extra goal, but Wingard is averaging 5 disposals more per game and averages more tackles, inside 50s and clearances than the Crows livewire.
That said, it’s very likely there’ll be two small forwards in the final All-Australian team – meaning the two SA-based goal machines could be named in the pockets.
ENEMY: Six Dockers ruled out
Why he should make the team?
When your standard game is 20 disposals and two and a half goals, you should be a lock in any All-Australian team.
All-Australian contender: Chad Wingard
If the stats are anything to go by, Chad Wingard is a lock for the 2015 All-Australian team.