PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley believes Showdown medallist Chad Wingard is a shoe-in for All Australian selection.
Wingard's performance during the Power's thrilling win against Adelaide was simply outstanding. He 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, 20, 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."
And that's what he has done all season, with 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," he said.
"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."
Meanwhile, Crows coach Brenton Sanderson had nothing but praise for Wingard.
"He's an important player for them, he's in the top three for most statistics through their footy club," he 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."
