HE achieved the AFL’s highest individual honour last season, but Ollie Wines is not resting on the glory of his Brownlow Medal as he prepares for the club’s first competitive hit out against opposition in 2022.
Despite coming off a career-best season, Wines has been working on improving a number of areas of his game, namely his hand skills to be able to help bring his teammates into the game.
With the majority of pre-season in the books, including the club’s annual intraclub match, Friday’s clash with the Gold Coast will be Wines’ first opportunity to exercise his improved skills and is the club’s first opportunity to play a side in opposing colours.
And with only two pre-season games before the club’s Round 1 clash against the Lions, Wines says the value of these contests cannot be underrated.
“The main thing is having an opposition that doesn’t know what you’re trying to do,” Wines explained to portadelaidefc.com.au.
“Obviously at training throughout preseason we’re going against each other and all trying to do the same things, so being able to test the new things we've been working on against opposition and being able to review that post-game will be really good for us.
“You also get some run in your legs, which feels very different to running around a boundary and getting metres that way.”
With the club flying over an extended 30-man squad, there will be no shortage of opportunity for untried youngsters and new recruits to prove they are match-ready and are able to make a case for Port’s best 22.
“The one that’s made huge in-roads this season is Jackson Mead,” Wines said.
“He came into the AFL system at a tough time, coming into COVID for the first two years of his career, so I think his ability to go through the midfield and play as a small forward as well will be really good for us.
“To have as many strings in his bow is really important and I think he’s a player that will make really big strides this year.
“This match will also be Sam Hayes’ first go at an AFL ruckman (outside of training), and I know he’s up for the challenge.
“He has really matured into his body so I think he’s strong and physical enough to compete at that top level.”
Mead and Hayes are not the only youngsters turning heads, with exciting draftee and Wines’ one-time housemate, Josh Sinn, starting to make an impression on teammates and the football department.
Although he has been on the quieter side at training, Wines says the competitive nature of the club’s internal trial brought out Sinn’s best.
“Sinny’s been terrific, particularly in the (intraclub) game on Friday where he came out and did some really good things,” he said.
“He’s a player that has a bit of white line fever so once he got the competitive edge of a game in him he really shone.
“His speed is something I don’t think many of the other guys in our team could rival, and he’s got a really nice left foot so he’s going to be a big watch for us.”
Port Adelaide’s practice match against Gold Coast will be streamed live on Kayo Sports from 2.25pm (ACDT). Entry is free for those able to attend the game in-person at Metricon Stadium.