Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has described Ollie Wines’ situation as ‘unfortunate’ as they prepare for Showdown 48

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says Ollie Wines ‘should’ve known’ better after receiving a one-match sanction for breaching the AFL’s strict coronavirus protocols.

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Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has described the incident which has seen his vice captain banned for one match after breaching tough AFL protocols aimed at reducing the risk of the spread of coronavirus as “unfortunate”.

On Wednesday, Wines invited a Channel 7 news crew to his house to conduct a weekly, contracted interview, which breached the return to play protocols.

Hinkley said the club made no excuses for the breach.

“We understand the protocols, Ollie understands them,” he said.

“It was an unfortunate mistake made by Ol, and clearly made by one of the broadcast partners too, which is a little strange too when you see that happen.

“But look, it’s a mistake, it’s been made, we don’t like it.”

When asked whether there should be any ramifications for Channel 7’s part in the incident, Hinkley said: “I think we all should be a part of it, I don’t think there should be any exemptions from the rules, I think we all understand what they are.

“If you read the protocols, it would have been very clear to everyone what you can and can’t do. Everyone.

“(But) it’s ... not my decision.

Ollie Wines with Ken Hinkley in 2017.. Picture: Sarah Reed.

“Ollie should have been better. Ollie knows he should have been better.

“Ollie was incredibly remorseful about what he thought was a simple slip up, but he knew the rules, and he just didn’t follow through the way he should have.”

Since Wines’ one-match suspension - which was handed down on Thursday evening - speculation has been that the 25-year-old may not have been selected anyway, but Hinkley denied that.

“It’s crazy to have speculation about a player who’s your vice-captain, he’s in your best 22 and where he fits at the football club,” he said.

“What I would say, is that Ollie hasn’t played a game of football all year.

“He’s had a shoulder reconstruction in January, he’s had three sessions of contact football, whether he would or wouldn’t have made the team, clearly that’s been taken out of our hands.

“Preparation wasn’t perfect, but Ollie Wines is a part of our side going forward, we know that.”

Wines was tested for coronavirus on Thursday and once his test returns negative, he’ll be welcomed back at the club - most likely Friday afternoon - and will play in Saturday afternoon’s match simulation against the non-selected Crows players as a curtain raiser to Showdown 48.

Hinkley expects Wines to push really strongly to be available for round three.

AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said it was important that players adhered to the protocols.

Davies talks to senior coach Ken Hinkley after giving a press conference regarding Wines’ COVID breach. Picture: Sarah Reed

“The protocols are very clear that players and officials should only have essential visitors attend their homes.

“We acknowledge Ollie’s remorsefulness for his mistake, but all players and match-day officials need to abide by the protocols in place at the time.”

The AFL, however, has ruled that Wines will be free to play in the match simulation training for the club’s non-selected players on Saturday afternoon against the Crows.

The 141-game former Power captain also missed round one in March – before the COVID-19 lockdown – after he dislocated his left shoulder at pre-season training in January, requiring surgery.

Originally published as Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has described Ollie Wines’ situation as ‘unfortunate’ as they prepare for Showdown 48