Port Adelaide will take cautious approach with vice-captain Ollie Wines as he continues recovery from latest shoulder surgery
Port Adelaide vice-captain Ollie Wines says he’s “almost right” to return from shoulder surgery, but Power development coach Matthew Lokan isn’t as bullish about the midfielder’s early comeback.
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Ollie Wines is pushing for an early return from shoulder surgery, but Port Adelaide development coach Matthew Lokan says the Power will take “no risk” with their vice-captain.
For the second-straight year, Wines is set to miss the start of Port’s AFL season with a shoulder injury.
After damaging his right shoulder waterskiing last year, the on-baller in January dislocated his left shoulder during match simulation.
The initial thinking was the injury and subsequent surgery would rule Wines out until Round 3 or 4, but ahead of Port’s Under 23 trial against Adelaide at Thebarton Oval Lokan said the former co-captain was pushing for an early return.
“It’s funny, Ollie keeps telling me that he is almost right to go and wants to play some footy,” he said.
“But, I’m sure there are still a number of weeks to come.”
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Lokan, who coaches Port’s SANFL side, will take control of the team for the Under 23 clash.
Wines took part in Port training yesterday, shadowing players during match simulation as he still can’t engage in contact.
“That’s still a while away, but the good thing with Ollie’s injury is that he can run, so I’m sure that once he gets the all clear from his surgeon he will be ready to go and he will put his hand up,” Lokan said.
“I guess it is one of those unknowns, with having that surgery.
“When you get the all clear to get back in there and have some contact, I guess the timeline starts there.
“Knowing Ollie he will be keen to get out there, but we have to be smart and calculated with our medicals about the right time to bring him back so there is no risk.”
Despite being named in the Power’s side for the match, Port Adelaide father-son selection Jackson Mead is no lock for the game at Thebarton Oval.
Lokan said Mead would have to be assessed because of his hamstring niggle.
“I’m not quite sure if Jackson will play, he’s had some restricted training over the past couple of weeks,” he said.
“So, we need to make that call over whether he is exactly right to go, and we won’t take any risks.”
Trent Burgoyne will play, as will No. 23 pick Dylan Williams – who played forward on Port skipper Tom Jonas in training on Friday.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Dylan play,” Lokan said.
“He is exciting and he probably only needs six or seven possessions to score four or five goals.”
Gun young trio of Connor Rozee, Xavier Duursma and Zak Butters were not selected, with Port keen to see what their other youngsters can do.
While over 23 years of age, Brad Ebert will get some more minutes after concussion cruelled his 2019 season, and Lokan expected him to again wear a helmet when playing.
Port did consider playing Hamish Hartlett, while for Jake Patmore it will be his first game since recovering from an ACL injury suffered last pre-season.
No. 14 pick Miles Bergman is rehabbing an ankle injury and could be a chance for the second Marsh Community Series match, while Mitch Georgiades has been rested to freshen up.
Originally published as Port Adelaide will take cautious approach with vice-captain Ollie Wines as he continues recovery from latest shoulder surgery
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