PORT Adelaide debutant Chad Wingard says the Power drew on their grueling pre-season camp in New Zealand to get them over the line against St Kilda at AAMI Stadium on Sunday night.
The Power scored a thrilling four-point win against the Saints and Wingard said the punishing trip to New Zealand helped unite the group.
"That New Zealand trip was almost a whole season plus two," he said.
"At three-quarter time, Dom (Cassisi) said 'if we can get through New Zealand as a group, then we can get through this game.'
"Like he said, nothing will be ever as tough as what we went though in New Zealand.
"That's going to help us game in and game out to be competitive and just want to fight to the end."
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The 18-year-old looked at right at home in his first AFL match, collecting 16 possessions (nine contested) while remaining poised under pressure.
Wingard's response when asked if he felt out of place in his debut was equally poised.
"Footy, in any way you play it, is still football," he said.
"If anyone wants the ball they're going to go get it.
"When it comes down to it, it's just whether you want the ball or not."
At 77kg, Wingard isn't exactly an AFL heavyweight, but didn't shy from the contest on Sunday night.
He said he was "shocked" on Monday morning when he woke up feeling fresh.
"Surprisingly I actually feel really good," he said.
"I had general soreness, but that's what you have after every game.
"I woke up and I could actually get out of bed without help at all."
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Wingard wasn't expected to play the majority of his first AFL season, as he worked to build his fitness base and bulk up.
Despite a debut that suggested he's up to the vigor's of the top flight, the young midfielder said he's not going to take his place in the Power line-up for granted.
"If I can keep fit, that's the thing I'm trying to concentrate on, being injury-free for the whole season, if I can do that my competitiveness and willingness to go at the ball will hopefully get me games," he said.
However, Wingard shapes as a certain starter for the Power's round-two clash against Essendon on Saturday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.
Chad Wingard is a $157,200 midfielder in Toyota AFL Dream Team. Register your team here
Harry Thring covers Port Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
