BACK on the training track after a week off, Ollie Wines says the Power are ready for Friday night’s clash against Richmond.
A confidence boost has made its way to Alberton already, with Ken Hinkley confirming the return of Jack Hombsch and Jay Schulz after extended periods on the sidelines.
Wines says their presence should not be underestimated.
“Jay draws a bit of attention away as a really talented contested mark; he can drop off and probably just gives them something else to think about there,” Wines said.
“We are pretty potent as it is down there, we’ve got some good weapons in the air and then our smalls on the ground.
“Every different player adds something so Schultzy will also add his little bit.”
Schulz has not played since Round 1 after succumbing to a back injury, while the run of injuries in the ruck has increasingly seen Justin Westhoff help plug holes up the field and left Charlie Dixon as the sole tall forward.
“With Hoff playing a bit more up the ground, at stoppages and on the wing, Charlie probably attracts a fair amount of attention,” Wines said.
“The forward structure won’t change too much but Jay coming in probably frees up Charlie a bit with him having been the only key forward.”
At the other end of the field is Hombsch, who has not played since injuring his hamstring in Round 10.
Hombsch’s return is a big in for a backline lacking experienced heads this year.
Wines is confident the Power’s ‘Mr Dependable’ will slot back in quickly.
“Hombschy just plays his role and he’s probably one in the team that you give a role and you know it will get done,” Wines said.
“He’s got a really good record on really good key forwards, some of the best in the game.
“You give him a task to do and gets it done for us.”
When asked whether coming off the bye was an advantage for Port Adelaide, Wines said it was good to have a week off to recover, but it will mean little once the ball is bounced.
“There were a lot of sore bodies after our game before the bye and it’s just good to have that week off,” said Wines.
“But everyone goes out for the win and whether there is an advantage or disadvantage, as far as we are concerned there are two teams competing.”
Port Adelaide hosts Richmond at the Adelaide Oval at 7.20pm on Friday 1 July.
