Port Adelaide's Ollie Wines Denied Immediate Recall After Suspension
Port Adelaide's Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines has been overlooked for an immediate recall to the AFL team following his suspension, extending his wait for a return under new coach Josh Carr. The 31-year-old midfielder received a three-game ban for a high bump late in the previous season, causing him to miss the opening two games of the 2026 campaign.
Wines' Extended Absence Under New Leadership
Despite already being without key players Connor Rozee, Miles Bergman, and Todd Marshall, Wines will not feature in the final team for Port Adelaide's upcoming clash with West Coast on Sunday. According to SEN's Sam Edmund, who reported the decision on Friday, this marks an inauspicious start to Wines' tenure under Carr. Under former coach Ken Hinkley, Wines had missed only five games over the past five seasons, highlighting a significant shift in his playing time.
Will Brodie's Long-Awaited AFL Comeback
In a contrasting move, Will Brodie has been selected to make his long-awaited return to AFL football. The 27-year-old, who debuted for Gold Coast in 2017, last played an AFL game 1065 days ago. He was frozen out by Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir throughout the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons, despite impressing for Peel in the WAFL and winning the 2024 grand final.
Brodie was traded to Port Adelaide for pick No. 103 in last year's trade period, even though he still had a year remaining on his contract with Fremantle. Reflecting on his journey, Brodie said late last year, "It was a pretty tough midfield to get into at Freo, there are some studs in there as there is (at Port). So I'm just going to keep trying to work, and I think I can get back to my best." He added, "I was at the point where I was really craving some more opportunity, and I jumped at the chance for a fresh start. It's been a tough journey the last few years but I'm excited and motivated to give it another go."
Other Team Changes and Selections
Alongside Brodie, Josh Lai has been named for his confirmed AFL debut, rising from local football in Melbourne to replace Todd Marshall. Additionally, Lachie Jones returns after missing one week due to a hamstring concern. Recent supplemental selection period signing Mitch Zadow is also in contention for his first game, with Dante Visentini hoping for a recall as well.
This decision by coach Josh Carr underscores a strategic shift for Port Adelaide, prioritizing Brodie's fresh start over Wines' immediate return, potentially reshaping the team's midfield dynamics for the upcoming match.
