Nick Winter

Left-arm swingman Nick Winter took the competition by storm when he was finally handed his debut against Victoria at Adelaide Oval after a year without a contract.

The Canberra product took his maiden five-wicket haul against the Victorians, and went on to claim 34 wickets from just five Sheffield Shield matches, including 10 for the match against New South Wales at the SCG. Only West Indian legend Joel Garner has more wickets, 40, after the same amount of games in a debut season for SA.

Winter’s outstanding form was recognised by being named joint runner-up Shield Player of the Year, just one point behind winner Chris Tremain with five less matches to his name.