Wingard will be All-Australian: Hinkley, Watson, Sanderson
Ken Hinkley, Tim Watson and Brenton Sanderson have all backed young star Chad Wingard for All-Australian selection in 2013.
So said legendary football caller Bruce McAvaney with just 28 seconds remaining in Balfours Showdown XXXV.
He was of course referring to young Port Adelaide forward Chad Wingard.
Seconds earlier, Wingard had kicked the winning goal for Port Adelaide in undoubtedly one of the greatest local derbies played at AAMI Stadium.
It was the game AAMI Stadium derserved after 17 years of Showdowns between the Power and Crows.
And it was Wingard's five-goal performance - that being his fifth - that immediately drew calls for his All-Australian selection.
Former Essendon captain and premiership player Tim Watson was the first.
"He's just played himself into the All-Australian team," said Watson.
Wingard's senior coach Ken Hinkley shares that view, Hinkley saying it would be outrageous if he didn't receive national recognition.
"He's a special player, he's had an incredible season and there's absolutely no doubt in my mind if not before today he's going to be in the All Australian side surely," said Hinkley.
"He's had an amazing year and today was the icing on the cake for him and his year bar none has been first class at this football club.
"It just shows his character, he believes in himself, he believes in his teammates and his job was to finish off their great work."
Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson also praised Wingard's Showdown medal-winning performance.
"He's an important player for them, he's in the top three for most statistics through their footy club," Sanderson said after the match.
"He wins uncontested ball, he gets inside-50s, he obviously hits the scoreboard – he's a talented young player. That's why he went so early in the draft.
"He's a talented young player, he stands up in the last quarter and ... he wants to be the big-game player and he certainly showed that he can do it."
Wingard had 24 possessions and kicked five goals, three of which were in the last quarter, including the game-winner with just 30 seconds to go.
Amazingly Wingard said he didn't feel any nerves as he lined up for the last-minute shot from about 30m out directly in front.
"I wasn't actually nervous but I did feel the pressure to put us in front," Wingard said after the win.
"I was trying to block out every noise and go through my routine and execute."