Ollie Wines to re-sign at Port Adelaide, says Brad Ebert

BRAD Ebert has joined the growing chorus of people to suggest star midfielder Ollie Wines is poised to re-sign with Port Adelaide.

Ollie Wines competes for possession against Callum Mills of the Swans. Picture: AAP Image/Brendan Esposito

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BRAD Ebert has joined the growing chorus of people to suggest star midfielder Ollie Wines is close to re-signing with Port Adelaide.

Out of contract at the end of the season, Victorian Wines is the biggest name the Power must ink to a new deal this year.

Ollie Wines and Brad Ebert go head to head at Port Adelaide's first intra-club at Alberton during the preseason. Picture: Tom Huntley

And veteran midfield teammate Ebert believes it is a formality.

“The way that he has embraced Adelaide, considering when he first got here and the feelings he had around the place (he was homesick), I don’t think he will be going anywhere,’’ Ebert said.

“I think it (the contract hold up) is just making sure he gets the right deal. He’s a fantastic player for us who has been playing some great footy.’’

Ebert’s comments follow those of coach Ken Hinkley, who on Wednesday said he is “not at all worried” about the prospect of 23-year-old Wines walking out on the club at the end of the season.

“Ollie has the right of negotiation, I don’t have any problem in that space,’’ Hinkley said.

“I know the player really well, I know the person incredibly well, I know the family very well and I think there’s absolutely no doubt that a commitment to Port Adelaide will come from Ollie — it’s just a matter of when.”

Hinkley indicated to SEN that vice-captain Wines is almost certain to become Port’s next captain when incumbent Travis Boak hands over the reins.

Ollie Wines takes a grab against the Sydney Swans on Sunday. Picture: AAP Image/Brendan Esposito

This could be as early as next year.

“I’m really honest. I suspect that will be the case, and it won’t be too far away,” Hinkley said.

“Trav’s doing a great job at the moment but we’ve seen the current day captain and the bloke most likely to replace him (Wines) go to work in the third quarter (in the come-from-behind win against Sydney on Sunday).

“That was the thing I was most proud of with our team, was the way our leadership group imposed themselves on the game, because that’s the area where we’ve been looking for that real growth in.’’

Ebert, meanwhile, said unbeaten Port would not fall into the trap of taking winless Brisbane lightly in the round three clash at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

“I’ve been watching a bit of Brisbane and they are playing some impressive footy,’’ he told Triple M.

“We’re not taking any team lightly and as a team we realise there is no easy team in the AFL anymore.

“As a group we are a bit more mature now and are making sure that we know that each game is a serious game and you need to turn up and perform to the best of your ability.’’

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