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OLLIE WINES'S dad thought his son would be back in Melbourne by 2015.
That revelation, by Ollie himself, comes as the Port Adelaide vice-captain prepares for his 100th AFL game this weekend, when the Power host North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
"My dad was in all sorts and said to Kenny, 'He'll only be there for two years anyway'," Wines said.
"To look back on that now and how much I've fallen in love with the club, not just me but also my family, to make it to 100 games, four and a half years in, already going to be contracted for six years, it's something I never thought would happen."
Wines, 22, will clock his century this weekend, having previously been the fastest Power player to reach 50.>
Wines photographed at the National Draft in 2012 just minutes after being recruited by the Power [pic: AFL]
His debut came at a watershed moment in the Port's history, as new coach Ken Hinkley and skipper Travis Boak led the club to victory at the MCG over Melbourne.
Wines was there, playing in the midfield, his big body proving lethal against the Demons.
He hasn't left that midfield - save for injury sustained in 2015 - never omitted and yet to play a game of SANFL football for the club.
Against the Kangaroos, he'll join Port's only AFL premiership captain Warren Tredrea as the only men to play 100 games in the #16 guernsey.
It's a jumper that's quickly increasing in significance.
"Someone told the other day that I get my name on the locker now - that's there forever and no one can touch that now," Wines said.
"I'm very honoured to play 100 games for this great club, and hopefully there's many more to come.
"[I was] pretty rapid to 50... had a couple of injuries between 50 and 100, but to make it here this quick, for Kenny to show the faith to play me in my first couple of years ... I'm very thankful for that."
Wines salutes the Port faithful after goaling in the 2014 semi final against Fremantle [pic: AFL]
As Wines has matured, so too has his understanding of the requirements of the modern game.
Whether it's body maintenance or learning AFL players requires an attacking and defensive capacity, Wines has rounded his rough edges over five years in the system.
"I know what to do mid-week, I know what my body needs to get me up for each game as opposed, probably, to when I was a bit younger and thought I was invincible," Wines said.
"When you get drafted you just want to come in, hunt the ball, win the ball, play offense, but today footy is played both ways."
While Wines also revealed he aggravated his posterior cruciate ligament in Round 7 (he trained with strapping on Thursday), he will make an appearance in the centre at the first bounce on Saturday afternoon.
Port Adelaide hosts North at 1.40pm ACST on Saturday 15 July at the Adelaide Oval. Premium reserved seat tickets have been discounted for the game, you can get yours here.
