Wines celebrates 250 games amid trade talk

By Oliver Shedden

Aug 22, 2024

Ollie Wines will play his 250th AFL game in round 18 against Fremantle at Optus Stadium. Photo: AAP

Echuca native and AFL star Ollie Wines will play his 250th AFL game this Sunday, August 25, when Port Adelaide battles against Fremantle in the final round of the 2024 season.

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The 2021 Brownlow medallist has spent his entire career with the Power, but has emerged in trade talks recently.

Despite having numerous chances to depart South Australia throughout his esteemed career, the 29-year-old midfielder is determined to finish his career with Port.

North Melbourne has its sights set on the superstar in an attempt to add veteran depth and maturity to its young squad under coach Alastair Clarkson, who joined the club in 2023.

With two years left on his current contract, the Kangaroos would have to make an enticing offer to pry Wines away from the place he has called home for the past 11 seasons.

He has assured fans that he intends to remain with the Power and help mentor the young talent and leaders in the squad, such as Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis and newly-minted Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee.

As a key contributor in the middle, Wines has averaged 23.5 disposals, 9.7 kicks, 13.8 handballs, 4.2 marks, 4.7 tackles and five total clearances in 21 matches for the Power.

Wines and Port Adelaide will presumably finish second on the AFL ladder, barring a disaster against Freo, who can still make the eight.

If so, Wines and Port Adelaide will be in a solid position to make a run at winning their first AFL premiership in 20 years.