Port Adelaide’s tough call can see the Power threaten league leaders Geelong on Saturday night

Port Adelaide co-captain Ollie Wines says coach Ken Hinkley had one of the hardest selection weeks of his whole career but the calls will give the Power a chance to challenge league leader Geelong.

Charlie Dixon at Port Adelaide training at Alberton Oval. Picture: Tait Schmaal

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Port Adelaide co-captain Ollie Wines said coach Ken Hinkley made some tough selection decisions to give the side its best chance of challenging league leaders Geelong at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

The Power dropped 2017 club champion Paddy Ryder, last year’s club champion Justin Westhoff after 135 consecutive games and young midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper along with Jarrod Lienert.

But they recalled three big names with Wines returning to AFL football alongside key forward Charlie Dixon and Brad Ebert.

Charlie Dixon at Port Adelaide training at Alberton Oval. Picture: Tait Schmaal

“Kenny said it’s been one of his hardest weeks for selection for his whole career,’’ Wines said on FIVEaa.

“Having to drop two guys who have been the heart and soul of our footy club.

“Hoff a little bit longer than Paddy, to see him and Paddy go out of the team is hard, but that’s AFL footy.

“They’ll go back to the SANFL and put their hands up for selection,’’ he said.

Wines said the experiences omissions (Ryder and Westhoff) had taken the news well despite speculation surrounding their playing futures in the wake of their axings.

“Testament to the guys who have gone out of the team, they have pretty mature heads on their shoulders and know what AFL footy is about,’’ Wines said.

“They haven’t been in the best form and want to make up for that and get themselves back in the team,’’ he added.

Wines said it would be a huge lift to have power forward Dixon back at AFL level after two weeks in the SANFL

Justin Westhoff and Paddy Ryder will make a rare appearance in Port’s SANFL team. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

“We’ve probably seen what he’s been able to do at SANFL, and we can’t wait to see that at AFL level, he’s handful for opponents,’’ Wines said.

“There have been a few games this year where we’ve been destroyed in the last quarters, we’ve had the majority of inside 50s but teams are intercepting.

“He’s that guy that is 202cm and as big as a brick outhouse, he brings that ball to ground.

“He creates that contest which gives our smalls a chance which helps us kick goals,’’ he said.

Wines said despite returning to Adelaide Oval for the first time in five weeks, a busy travel schedule won’t be any reason for excuses against the Cats.

“They’ve always been really good games,’’ Wines said.

“I think they’ve got the wood over us at Adelaide Oval, we’re red hot and ready to go and looking forward to it.

“I don’t think we can use that (travel) as an excuse

“It hasn’t really taken anything out of us, but it’s good to be back in Adelaide,’’ he added.