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Wingard, selected with pick 6 in the 2011 National Draft, has been playing in the forward pocket for the Power so far and has been impressive early - winning the ball and playing an attacking style when he gets near the leather.
Despite a solid start at national level, the former South Austraian U18 captain admits that his place in the team is subject to his ability to learn quickly and understand the faster nature of the elite competition.
He faces a tough challenge this weekend against in Hawks backman Shaun Burgoyne - another Indigenous product of the Port Adelaide Football Club.
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“I’m just trying to learn my role in the team and improve my pressure in attack,” said Wingard of his current goals in Port’s side.
“The game at AFL level is very different from what I’m used to.”
“I’m just taking it game by game and enjoying doing my part for the team.”
Wingard has endured both eye and shoulder injuries during his short time at Alberton but has rebounded quickly from both problems to reassert himself on the field.
Despite the potential issues returning to elite level football with a recovering shoulder, Wingard’s confidence in his body continues to grow as he get beaten and bruised by some of the most experienced defenders in the country.
“My shoulder’s been very good, I’ve had a few knocks on it but I’m increasing in confidence every time I get out there so it’s really good to be back out there and playing again,” said Wingard.
Experiencing both sides of the scoreboard has been important for Wingard and the Murray Bridge local has enjoyed Port Adelaide’s recent run of wins.
“It’s good to see the wins are coming through, all that hard work from pre-season is paying off, the midfield is doing really well, everyone’s doing their role.”
“That’s what we’re trying to do - trying to get everyone to play their structure, it was one of the first games this year that we’ve play four quarters - didn’t die at all and didn’t let them back in the game.
“Overall I’m pretty happy at the club, happy to get a win - three in a row and hopefully we can keep pushing that wheel along and get some more wins.”
On his own development, the 18 year old is clear on what he wants to achieve by season’s end.
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“I just have to keep working on my competitiveness - that’s one of the biggest traits of my game so if I bring a competitive aspect to the game, the rest will take care of itself.
“I must play my role, play within the forward structure and do whatever I need to do to help the team.”
Experiencing both sides of the scoreboard has been important for Wingard and the Murray Bridge local has enjoyed Port Adelaide’s recent run of wins.
“It’s good to see the wins are coming through, all that hard work from pre-season is paying off, the midfield is doing really well, everyone’s doing their role.”
“That’s what we’re trying to do - trying to get everyone to play their structure, it was one of the first games this year that we’ve play four quarters - didn’t die at all and didn’t let them back in the game.
“Overall I’m pretty happy at the club, happy to get a win - three in a row and hopefully we can keep pushing that wheel along and get some more wins.”
On his own development, the 18 year old is clear on what he wants to achieve by season’s end.
[ Related: Tough Players Please Primus ]
“I just have to keep working on my competitiveness - that’s one of the biggest traits of my game so if I bring a competitive aspect to the game, the rest will take care of itself.
“I must play my role, play within the forward structure and do whatever I need to do to help the team.”
