CHAD WINGARD has signed a three-year deal to keep him at Port Adelaide until the end of the 2019.
The All-Australian forward will be 26 when his contract next comes up for renewal.
Currently 22 years of age, Wingard's star has risen swiftly in the AFL playing stocks - he is ranked 20 on the AFL's player ratings table and became a dual All-Australian this year.
His contract extension follows those of Travis Boak and Robbie Gray, who will also remain tied to the Power until the end of the 2019 season.
BOAK: Skipper commits for life at Port Adelaide
Wingard cited an enjoyment of football and the culture of Port Adelaide, additional to his ability to stay close to family, as key to his new agreement.
He will also continue to work with the club's community programs, particularly those in the Aboriginal engagement and development space.
“There is such a great feeling among the players and the club in general, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” Wingard said.
“Family is everything to me and the boys are like my second family.
“I also value, so much, the work the club is doing with our Aboriginal and community programs and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with all the boys in growing that in the years to come.”
GRAY: Best and fairest also jumps on until 2019
Clue time
After being teased by a clue earlier in the week - with an elaborate riddle and picture teaser actually foretelling the unprecedented coup of securing Olympic silver medallist and world basketball champion Erin Phillips to front Port Adelaide's bid for an elite women's team - many Power fans were able to deduce the likelihood of the Wingard signing on Wednesday evening.
SEE THE ANSWER: Did you guess correctly?
Chad Wingard bio
Drafted 2011 National Draft, Pick No. 6 (Sturt)
Career Games 89
Career Goals 148
Career highlights
All-Australian (2013, 2015)
John Cahill Medal (2013)
Port Adelaide leading goal kicker (2015)
Showdown Medal (Round 19, 2015)
Gavin Wanganeen Medal (2012)
International Rules (2014)
Brownlow Medal votes (20 votes)
