Star midfielder Ollie Wines appears destined to become Port Adelaide’s next captain after re-signing with the AFL club on a four-year deal.
Wines was coming out of contract at the end of this season, and would have attracted big offers from clubs in his home state of Victoria.
He would have also been eligible for free agency at the end of 2020.
But the 23-year-old is so confident in the direction Port Adelaide are heading that he has signed on until the end of 2022.
Travis Boak is the current captain of Port Adelaide, but the soon-to-be 30-year-old could relinquish that post by the end of the year.
Wines, who has played 119 games for the club and was named vice-captain at the end of 2016, is a strong chance to take over the head role when Boak steps down.
“This club has done everything right by me and my family since it welcomed me into the club six years ago,” Wines said.
“I have a firm belief in where the club is heading, the playing group it’s formed and the support off-field, and I am looking forward to the future.
“My position, and the club’s position, throughout our discussions has been that we have been in a good space and it was only a matter of time before I signed on again.”
Port Adelaide loaded up on experience at the end of last season, and currently sit seventh on the ladder with an 8-4 record.
Wines has played a key role in Port’s strong form, averaging 27 disposals and 6.7 clearances a game.
Pelican
Guest
Ollie Ollie ollie. oi oi oi. Thank you Ollie. You will be a fine captain.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Future Brownlow medalist this young Bull. Magnificent player. Good job, Port.
Paul D
Roar Guru
This is great news. One of the best prospects from his entire draft and it's good to see someone move interstate and commit. Port need to now leverage this into further resignings and period of perennial contention - you would think they'll easily retain Gray and Wingard too, who are off contract end of 2019. If they can do that all they need is one fortunate season - another sup from the premiership cup would sustain them for a decade or more
Franko
Guest
Massive signing for Port. Why is it only one side of town has homesick players?
User
Roar Rookie
Good to see, a great player who I'm certain is being rewarded for a great sense of loyalty.