Ollie Wines' Farewell Tour Cut Short: Star Midfielder Misses Hinkley's Last Game After Failed Appeal
Heartbreak for Port Adelaide and their fans as star midfielder Ollie Wines has been unsuccessful in his appeal against a three-match suspension. This means Wines will be absent from Ken Hinkley’s emotional farewell game, adding a layer of disappointment to what should have been a celebratory occasion.
The suspension stems from a high bump incident during the Power’s recent clash with Carlton. The incident left Carlton’s Cooper Lord concussed, prompting the match review officer to recommend a three-game ban. Wines immediately launched an appeal, hoping to be cleared to play in Port Adelaide’s crucial final games and, importantly, to bid farewell to their long-serving coach, Ken Hinkley.
The tribunal's decision, delivered earlier today, upheld the original ban, citing the severity of the contact and the potential for injury. This ruling is a significant blow to Port Adelaide’s premiership aspirations, as Wines is considered a pivotal player in their midfield. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, particularly in the high-pressure environment of finals football.
“We’re obviously disappointed with the outcome,” said Port Adelaide’s General Manager of Football, Ken McPherson. “Ollie and the club strongly believed the ban was excessive, and we put forward a robust case. However, we respect the tribunal’s decision and will move forward.”
The timing of the suspension is particularly cruel, given the significance of this weekend’s game. Hinkley’s departure after 11 seasons at the helm is a major moment for the club, and having Wines sidelined for what could be his final game in charge is a bitter pill to swallow. The Power faithful were hoping for a triumphant send-off for their coach, and Wines’ presence was seen as crucial to achieving that goal.
What does this mean for Port Adelaide? The Power will need to rally around Wines’ absence, with other midfielders stepping up to fill the void. Players like Zak Butters, Connor Roald, and Xavier Duursma will need to elevate their game to compensate for the loss of Wines’ experience and skill. Coach, Andrew McPherson, will be tasked with finding the right balance in the midfield and ensuring the team remains competitive without their star player.
The bigger picture: This incident raises questions about player safety and the responsibilities of players to avoid high contact. While the bump itself may have been unintentional, the consequences for Lord and the subsequent suspension for Wines highlight the importance of player awareness and adherence to the rules. The AFL continues to work towards minimising on-field injuries, and incidents like this serve as a reminder of the challenges involved.
Despite the setback, Port Adelaide remains focused on their finals campaign. They have the talent and the determination to overcome this hurdle and make a serious challenge for the premiership. However, the absence of Ollie Wines will undoubtedly make their task more difficult, and the farewell to Ken Hinkley will be tinged with sadness.
