PORT ADELAIDE co-captain Ollie Wines has lauded Charlie Dixon’s resilience as he returns to football after a nine-month absence.
Wines says the entire football club has been proud of the way Dixon has overcome setbacks, ahead of Port’s clash with Sturt in the SANFL on Saturday afternoon.
“We are so proud to see what Charlie has done,” Wines said at a press conference on Friday afternoon.
“I think being in rehab that long, you can get down on yourself.
“He had two or three mishaps in his recovery where he required more surgery, so each road bump like that sets you back a bit.
“I think he has been really positive throughout it, especially over the last two to three weeks where he’s really close, I’ve just seen this vibrant energy come out of him.”
The co-captain says the key forward is in the best condition of his career, and is expecting Dixon to have an impact in the back half of the year.
“He’s in probably the best condition I’ve ever seen, at the moment,” Wines said.
“But he obviously needs that match fitness.
“What he’s been doing on the track has been superb, and with a run or two before he gets in the AFL, he’s going to be very dangerous in the latter part of the year.”
Wines says the Power have missed Dixon’s presence in the forward line.
“We’ve missed him enormously,” he said.
“We’ve sort of missed that big pillar down there that can take the two defenders and bring the ball to ground.
“We’ve seen guys do it at times, but consistently Charlie has proven he can do that.”
The midfield bull is also making his return from injury, and will play his first-ever game for the Magpies.
“The SANFL debut, playing for my much beloved Maggies,” Wines said.
“I’m really excited for it and obviously we have Charlie returning with myself - he’s been out a bit longer than me.
“We are very excited. The boys are up and about and looking forward to it.”
The 24-year-old said he and the coaching staff learnt from rushing him back earlier in the season after his shoulder injury.
“I probably learnt from my first mishap earlier in the year, where I missed the first two games and did come straight back in,” Wines said.
“If I did have my time again, which I am now, I would’ve preferred to have a run around in the SANFL to prepare me.
“While I could have a certain impact, it was subdued a little bit without having match fitness.”
Wines is expecting to play his normal game time on Saturday afternoon, and says the timing is ideal with the club’s AFL bye.
“Fortunately, we’ve got the bye,” he said.
“All things going well tomorrow, and I can get a good run, perhaps I can get put my name forward for next week.
“I’d imagine I would play normal, so 75-80 per cent. For my rehab I was only off legs for about three weeks, then I was able run on the Alter G treadmill.”
The Magpies host Sturt at Alberton Oval on Saturday afternoon with the first bounce commencing at 2.10pm.
Power games access members gain free access to the clash by scanning their membership.
Entry is free for children under the age of 18, with the first 200 kids through the gates receiving a free Macca's football.
