Port Adelaide has emerged victorious from a tense clash against the Sydney Swans, claiming an 85 to 77 win at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, April 19, 2025. However, the match was overshadowed by the alarming health concerns surrounding star midfielder Ollie Wines, who had to be substituted at halftime due to issues with his heart rhythm.
The 2021 Brownlow Medal winner had been managing a heart condition since his diagnosis in 2022, and this latest incident raised serious concerns among fans and teammates alike. Wines had engaged in lengthy discussions with the team’s medical staff during the second quarter before ultimately being replaced by Rory Atkins. Reports indicated that Wines was experiencing an irregular heartbeat, prompting the precautionary substitution.
Port Adelaide’s general manager of football, Chris Davies, provided an update on Wines’ condition, reassuring supporters that he was feeling better after receiving medical treatment. “Ollie had a bit of a heart flutter in that second quarter,” Davies explained. “He is in the rooms now, feeling far better, but it is something he has had to manage over time. He knows he has to take himself out of the game when these things happen.”
Despite the distraction of Wines’ health scare, Port Adelaide showcased their strength on the field, with Connor Rozee leading the charge. Rozee finished the game with one goal and 27 disposals, proving to be a key player for the Power. Zak Butters also had a significant impact, matching Rozee’s disposals and contributing seven clearances to the team's efforts.
Willie Rioli, who had faced racial abuse earlier in the week, made a powerful statement on the field by scoring three goals. He was instrumental in Port’s early lead, connecting with Mitch Georgiades, who also kicked three goals, and Sam Powell-Pepper, who added two more to the tally. The Power dominated the first quarter, leading 26 to 8 at the first break.
However, the Swans were not ready to back down. After a sluggish start, they began to find their rhythm in the second half, with Isaac Heeney scoring two goals and Aaron Francis contributing three consecutive goals in the final term. The home side reduced the deficit to just ten points, but ultimately fell short as they could only manage three behinds in the dying minutes of the game.
Wines’ health issues are not new to the football community. He had previously been subbed out of matches due to similar concerns, including a significant episode in 2022 when he was hospitalized after experiencing dizziness and nausea during a game against Melbourne. Following that incident, he underwent surgery in December 2023 to address the irregularity, which he had hoped would resolve the problem permanently.
Wines expressed optimism about his condition earlier this year, stating, “I had something done pre-Christmas so as far as I’m concerned, it’s all fixed. I shouldn’t have the problem ever again.” However, this latest incident has reignited fears about his health, as he has missed games in the past due to the same issue.
As the match progressed, Port Adelaide maintained their composure, despite the mounting pressure from Sydney. Coach Ken Hinkley praised his team’s resilience, particularly in the face of adversity. “We knew Sydney would come hard at us, especially in their home ground,” Hinkley said. “The boys held their nerve and executed our game plan well.”
With this victory, Port Adelaide continues to build momentum as they aim for a strong finish in the 2025 AFL Premiership season. However, the focus remains on Wines and his health as the club prepares for their next matchup. Davies hinted at the possibility of Wines returning to play soon, stating, “I’m sure he’ll go through whatever he needs to go through this week to be potentially available next week.”
The Power's victory over the Swans not only adds to their tally in the season but also serves as a reminder of the human element in sports, where the health and well-being of players must always take precedence. Fans and players alike will be keeping a close eye on Ollie Wines as he navigates this challenging period in his career.
In a sport where physical health is paramount, the return of Wines’ heart condition is a stark reminder of the risks athletes face. As the AFL community rallies around him, the hope is that he can overcome this hurdle and return to the field stronger than ever.
