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Last season, in only his second year at AFL level, Chad Wingard announced himself as a star of the competition with All-Australian selection at only 20 years of age.
Comparisons were made with other superstars of the competition at the same age such as Chris Judd and Joel Selwood, and it wasn’t hard to see why.
The Port star picked up 20 touches or more in 17 games and also kicked 43 goals for the season.
Wingard was able to get on the scoreboard as a small forward, but also make significant contributions when playing in midfield. His ability to win contested ball, get the ball on the outside and use his silky skills was fantastic to watch.
His best on ground performance against the Crows in the Round 19 Showdown last season showed an appetite for performing in the big games. Kicking pressure goals in the elimination final against Collingwood further highlighted this.
He finished off season 2013 with an average of 21.2 disposals per game and just under 2 goals a game. The All-Australian selection was well deserved, as was winning the Port Adelaide best and fairest award.
Wingard was always going to get more attention from the opposition in season 2014. Unfortunately for both Wingard and Port Adelaide, there has been a severe dip in form. Whether Wingard is spending time up forward or in the midfield, he is being closely marked by opposition teams.
Early on in the season, Wingard still showed glimpses of his best, and will still have a highlight reel many players would be envious of come the end of the season. However, he is out of form.
Wingard is averaging 16 touches per game this season and has kicked 28 goals. The past four weeks Wingard has failed to pick up 20 touches in any match, and he has a return of just 2 goals in four matches. Also in comparison to last year, Wingard is spending a higher percentage of time on the ground but is getting less of the ball. His disposal efficiency is down by almost 10 per cent compared to last season, while his tackling numbers, assists and overall clearances at stoppages have also dropped off.
The bye has come at a good time for Port Adelaide, with many players needing to recharge both mentally and physically. Wingard is obviously one struggling with the closer attention, and it might pay for him to spend some more one-on-one time with assistant coach Josh Carr.
A renowned tagger in his playing days, Carr could certainly provide some tips for Wingard on beating his taggers. The best players in the competition are tagged every week, and Wingard needs to find a way to break the shackles.
It may be harsh to single out someone who is still 20 years of age and in their third season of AFL football, but it highlights the importance of Chad Wingard to Port Adelaide. A significant upturn in performance from Wingard might just be the spark to reignite Port Adelaide’s season.
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