Power key-forward Charlie Dixon and co-captain Ollie Wines spark Port into SANFL win over Sturt

Power key-forward Charlie Dixon and co-skipper Ollie Wines starred in Port’s 20-point SANFL victory over Sturt on Saturday. The pair performed strongly after both returning from significant injuries.

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A swag of big name Power players have helped Port Adelaide break Sturt’s four-game SANFL winning streak at Alberton Oval on Saturday.

Power co-captain Ollie Wines, forward Charlie Dixon and vice-skipper Hamish Hartlett made their return from injuries with the Magpies and helped them to a 12.13 (85) to 10.5 (65) triumph.

Dixon had not played a game in 299 days after breaking his right leg and severely damaging his ankle during the Power’s loss West Coast at Adelaide Oval on August 11 last year.

The 200cm forward made a statement in the prison bars with five goals, six marks, four tackles and three clearances.

Port's Charlie Dixon attempts to mark late in the last quarter in the clash against Sturt. Picture: AAP/Dean Martin

Wines, who was playing his first match since fracturing his ankle in the Power’s loss to Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on May 3, amassed 32 disposals, six clearances, 10 tackles and eight inside-50s.

Hartlett recorded a solid 13 touches, while Power-listed youngster Willem Drew impressed in the midfield with 29 possessions, two goals, nine clearances and eight tackles.

“It’s well documented that if you get Wines and Dixon back into your side it’s going to makes a big difference,” Port coach Matthew Lokan said.

“Both of those guys were really good for us. Charlie is a big presence up-forward and he ends up kicking five and Ollie has over 30 disposals.

“We were able to maintain consistency throughout the day and I was really pleased with our game.”

The Magpies, with a point to prove after being thrashed by Glenelg a fortnight ago, put plenty of pressure on Sturt from the first bounce.

Port's Olie Wines in action against Sturt's Danyle Pearce. Picture: AAP/Dean Martin

But the hosts struggled to make it count on the scoreboard. It took until 18-and-a-half minutes for a major score to be registered and it came through Boyd Woodcock who snapped a shot on goal for Port’s first.

The Double Blues looked dangerous at times when they were allowed some space and skipper Zane Kirkwood (34 disposals, eight marks five tackles and four clearances) worked tirelessly to turn the momentum.

Sturt’s disappointing day was summed up when Ben Hansen ran into an open goal only to miss giving Port a 31-point advantage at three-quarter time.

The visitors kicked four unanswered goals in the final term but Port’s ability to take control of the hit-outs (59-30) and stoppages (49-30) proved the key.

Port SANFL captain Cam Sutcliffe handballs during the match with Sturt. Picture: AAP/Dean Martin

In another blow for the Double Blues, they lost Tom Harms to a suspected broken arm in the first quarter.

“We just couldn’t get the game on our terms,” Sturt coach Nathan Grima said.

“(Peter) Ladhams was unbelievable in the ruck, giving them (Port) first hitout.

“We just didn’t have a passage in the game where we could string together five or 10 minutes of control.

“I thought we fell away a bit easy.”

SCOREBOARD

PORT ADELAIDE 2.5 7.7 10.10 12.13 (85)

STURT 1.1 4.2 4.2 10.5 (65)

Best – Port: Wines, Drew, Hewett, Sutcliffe, Dixon, McKenzie. Sturt: Kirkwood, Battersby, Kroker, F Evans, Riley.

Goals – Port: Dion 5, Cox, Drew 2, Woodcock, Marshall, Mead. Sturt: M Evans, Sutcliffe 2, Hone, Crocker, Greenslade, Patullo, Riley, Slimming.

Injuries – Port: Nil

Sturt: Tom Harms (suspected broken arm)

Umpires: Harris, Scott, Sobieraj

CROWD - 5270 At Alberton Oval