PORT ADELAIDE vice-captain Ollie Wines says there is no panic at Alberton despite consecutive disappointing losses.

The club’s ledger sits at one win and two losses after the opening three rounds of the season with the weekend’s Showdown LIII loss to Adelaide coming after Wines’ side held a narrow lead part-way through the last quarter.

Speaking with the media at Alberton Oval on Tuesday, Wines described the disappointment amongst the group about losing in a big game and he highlighted the key areas identified in the team review that let the side down.

The 28-year-old discussed the belief amongst the playing group that it can get a result against the Swans in Sydney this weekend, and he spoke of his form building after knee surgery delayed his start to the pre-season.

Ollie Wines was a strong performer in Showdown LIII, finishing the match with 21 disposals and seven clearances. Image: AFL Photos.

Ollie Wines on the review of Showdown LIII

“We’ve reviewed the game and probably for 75-per-cent of it we executed what we wanted to. Obviously, we gave up a bit of score throughout the game but it came down to the final 15 minutes when we did have a lead of four points but dropped the bundle and ended up losing by five goals.

There’s certainly some execution in that period of the game that let us down and that’s been the big learning of the week.

- Ollie Wines

“I think those games are so hotly contested and both teams are going so hard at it that at some point one team will be the one to break and unfortunately, we were the one to do that but full credit to the Crows; they were able to outlast us and kick away in the end so we’ll certainly use this to spur us on in the coming weeks.

“(The key issues were) big moments around the contest, clearance and probably contested marks plus a few forward 50 stoppages that we didn’t execute quite as well as we’d usually like to and they’ve got some dangerous forwards down there that were able to capitalise.”

Ollie Wines on the disappointment of losing to the club’s biggest rival

“They’re big games and there’s a lot of weight in those games. We’re as disappointed as anyone.

“We had (junior footy) clinics yesterday and it was really disappointing for us to see little kids and explain why we lost. That’s when the reality really hits you but in this caper, you’ve got to get up, you’ve got to get going. You can’t lull on the previous weekend’s result; you’ve got to move on pretty quickly and we have to this week.

“We’ve got a big game against Sydney who obviously played in the grand final last year – a really quality team – so you’ve got to use the disappointment of the weekend, move on really quickly and get the energy amongst the group again.”

Port Adelaide travel to Sydney for the first time since 2018. Image: AFL Photos.

Ollie Wines on the current mood within the group

“I don’t think we’re by any means panicking three games into the season. It’s a long season of 23 games now. We’ve got full faith in (coach) Ken (Hinkley). As players we know we’ve got to execute and play better on game day because once we’re out there, once the siren goes, really the coaches can make some moves but they can’t do it for us so it’s on us.

“Ken doesn’t change his mood (depending on wins or losses) too much. He knows he’s got a young and energetic group and he’s got to replicate that so full credit to him, he will review the game but then move on pretty quickly.

“We understand how our group works best and that is getting up and about and getting on with the week so he’s been really good like that.”

Wines has acknowledged him and his teammates know the importance of executing and playing better on game day. Image: AFL Photos.

Ollie Wines on his own form following his off-season knee surgery

“I haven’t really been up to my standard as yet. I understood that coming into the season I virtually didn’t train at all until the intraclub so I always knew it was going to take me four or five weeks to get going and I haven’t really clicked into full gear but I feel as though that’s coming soon. The more training and minutes in games I can get under my belt, the better.

“(My body) is pretty good at the moment. You’re probably just starting to realise when you get a bit older you get a few more aches and pains. My preparation and recovery throughout the week has probably gone to another level which is something I’m pretty proud of.

“I’ve got high expectations of myself. I don’t really worry about externally what people think. I understand my role. It’s pretty plain and simple to me.

“I’m pretty good with the reality so I know when it’s working for me and when it’s not so there’s not too many honest conversations people have to have with me to know where I’m at. I know where I’m at, so it’s something I’ll keep working at and searching for – that form.”

Off the back of off-season knee surgery, Wines says his form is improving each contest as he looks to get back to his best. Image: AFL Photos.

Ollie Wines on the belief within the club heading into Saturday night’s game against Sydney at the SCG

“Our belief is there. Games like the weekend and the previous week probably dent your confidence – that’s a short-term thing.

“Belief is probably more a long-term thing and the belief within our club and within the individuals is something that is always there so we’ll gain that confidence throughout the week.

“Historically we’re pretty good against Sydney so we’ll look forward to getting over there on their turf and having a crack at them.”