Vice-captain and star midfielder Ollie Wines has pledged his loyalty to Port Adelaide in a four-year contract extension: a grand show of faith from the possible soon-to-be captain.
Wines, initially coming out of contract at the end of this season, was set to attract lucrative offers from clubs in his home state of Victoria; but the Power star's faith in the club is seeing him stay on until 2022.
“The club has done everything right by me and my family since it welcomed me into the club six years ago,” Wines told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“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.”
The contract paves a path for the Echuca-raised player to take over current Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak, stepping up from his position as vice-captain when the time comes.
Port Adelaide general manager Chris Davies confirmed the contract deal on Sportsday SA, commending him on his allegiance to the club.
“We’re wrapped Ollie has seen fit to commit to the club long-term - we didn’t have to work overly hard to convince him to stay," he said.
“Ollie is a great player, a brilliant young leader, and a popular member of the Port Adelaide community,
“We see his signing as a significant commitment to Port Adelaide’s football program and a belief in the direction the club is heading," Davies said.
The 23-year-old gun has played 119 games for Power following from his 2013 debut, becoming an established and highly sought-after inside midfielder as well as Port Adelaide's best player under the age of 21 in 2015.
