Port Adelaide midfielder Ollie Wines has been suspended for three matches following a heavy hit on Carlton’s Cooper Lord during a recent match, which saw the Power suffer a significant 54-point defeat at Marvel Stadium. This incident occurred in the second quarter when Wines chose to bump Lord, who had intercepted a handball and was attempting to kick the ball. Unfortunately, Lord was struck high and later had to leave the game due to a concussion.
The match review officer, Michael Christian, classified the hit as rough conduct, determining it as careless with severe impact and high contact. Consequently, Wines faces a suspension that would extend into the next season, as it includes the first two matches.
In response to the suspension, Port Adelaide stated they are considering whether to contest the decision. Wines will miss the upcoming season finale against the Gold Coast Suns, a match that also serves as a farewell for both long-serving coach Ken Hinkley and his teammate, Travis Boak. Boak, who has announced his retirement, is set to conclude his illustrious AFL career after 387 games, while Hinkley will be remembered for revitalising Port Adelaide’s competitiveness in the league, despite never making it to a grand final during his tenure.
Additionally, Gold Coast’s Alex Davies has also received a one-match ban for rough conduct against midfielder Ryan Angwin in a separate incident, which was deemed careless with medium impact and high contact. As both clubs gear up for their respective final games of the season, the focus remains on the impact of these suspensions on their line-ups and the farewell tributes for their veteran players.