Touted as one of the club’s brightest long-term prospects, the young midfielder has exploded in 2013 after his promising debut season last year.
At the halfway point of a year which has already seen Port Adelaide surpass its win total from 2012, the 19-year-old has cemented his spot as a vital cog in the team’s ever-improving engine room.
Chad Wingard player profile
Averaging 23 disposals and nearly two goals each game, Wingard has impressed with his ferocious attack on the football and ability to break the game open.
His performance against GWS – including five tackles, six inside-50s and a goal to compliment his 31 possessions – saw the former NAB AFL Rising Star nominee again take centre stage as a future star of the competition.
Drafted at pick six in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, Wingard played 19 games in his first year and averaged 13 possessions across the half-forward line while showing glimpses of his prodigious talent.
The arrival of Ken Hinkley as senior coach in 2013 has seen Wingard spend increased time in the midfield, allowing him to establish himself as a consistent ball-winner.
Wingard’s season started to gain momentum in the Round 3 Showdown against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
With the Power trailing by 31 points during the third quarter, Wingard played a vital role in the team’s revival by kicking three final quarter goals - including the sealer - on his way to 25 touches for the match.
His second goal exhibited his freakish skills as he roved a contest deep in the pocket and snapped from the boundary line.
It sent the 40,000 strong crowd into a frenzy.
Only 12 weeks into the 2013 season, Wingard has climbed 167 spots in the official AFL Player Ratings to 207th overall.
If his form continues his ranking should continue to head north.
With only 30 games under his belt at this early stage of his career, Wingard’s emergence as a game-breaking midfielder has left no doubts among Port Adelaide supporters that he is going to be an integral part of Port Adelaide’s success for years to come.
