Port Adelaide star midfielder Ollie Wines was subbed out at quarter-time during his team’s clash with Hawthorn due to heart palpitations. Wines had been diagnosed with a heart condition in 2022, which also caused him to exit a game against Melbourne early and required hospitalization.
In 2022, Wines described his condition, saying, “It’s more a heart rhythm issue that is pretty common in elderly people and elite athletes. Once it was explained to me, it was very reassuring and there are not too many long-term effects.”
We've made our sub.
Luke Breust comes in for Changkuoth Jiath (tactical) 🔁#AFLPowerHawks
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) May 19, 2024
Wines, the 2021 Brownlow medallist, had seven disposals in the first term against Hawthorn before being replaced by Brandon Zerk-Thatcher. Jon Ralph from the Herald Sun noted the “worrying scenes” but emphasized that the issue had previously only caused Wines to miss one game.
“The heart issues he’s had since 2022 have been deemed not life-threatening or career-threatening by his cardiologist, though they are very scary when they occur,” Ralph said. “He missed just one week back then and returned to perform strongly.”
Channel 7’s Mark Soderstrom called it a “developing story,” while Shaun Burgoyne, a Hawks and Port legend, added: “That is a huge story.”
LIVE AFL: Hawks’ Unlikely Five-Goal Performance Shocks Power Amid Star’s Heart Scare
Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) aims to build on its surprising victory over the Cats as it hosts Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval.
The Power (6-3, 112.2%) returned to the winners’ list with their triumph at GMHBA Stadium. Coach Ken Hinkley has made one change to the lineup, bringing in Jase Burgoyne for Francis Evans, while star captain Connor Rozee remains out with a hamstring injury.
The Hawks (3-6, 76.6%) have shown improved form recently, securing upset victories over the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda in the past two weeks. Ethan Phillips will make his AFL debut, joining the returning Mabior Chol and Changkuoth Jiath in the squad.
Port Adelaide, referred to as Yartapuulti this weekend in honor of the Kaurna language, which denotes the land around the Port River, will host the game starting at 3:20pm AEST at Adelaide Oval. The match is available live on Fox Sports 503, streaming on Kayo, or via Hubbl, starting from 3pm AEST, with additional coverage on Fox Footy (channel 504) from 4pm AEST.
There were no late changes to the teams, with Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (Port Adelaide) and Luke Breust (Hawthorn) named as the starting substitutes.
MATCH REPORT
Hawthorn began the game with a dominant performance, scoring the first six goals. Their intensity was evident, as a scuffle broke out early, resulting in Hawk Jack Ginnivan losing his headband. Cam Mackenzie scored the first goal, followed by Blake Hardwick, who ignited the contest with four goals in the opening quarter, matching his career-best tally in less than 30 minutes.
One more quarter to go – come on Hawks!! 🫶 pic.twitter.com/6uztqFsGJB
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) May 19, 2024
Yartapuulti’s players were criticized for “switching off” and “ball watching” during the first term, managing only two inside-50s in the first 25 minutes as the Hawks controlled the game. Despite a brief lapse that allowed Jason Horne-Francis to score Yartapuulti’s first goal, the Hawks maintained their dominance, leading 38-7 at the first break.
Fox Footy’s Ben Dixon remarked, “Kenny would be going right off his head at quarter time, as they probably deserve after their start at home.”
The match further deteriorated for Yartapuulti when Brownlow Medallist Ollie Wines did not return to the field due to heart palpitations, resulting in him being subbed out. Wines had previously dealt with this issue in 2022.
Commentator Mark Soderstrom noted, “I think the players know if they go into that irregular heartbeat. (Wines) can actually feel that right now, and I think that’s what they are dealing with.”
Already missing Connor Rozee, this added to Yartapuulti’s midfield struggles against the Hawks. By halftime, Hawthorn maintained a 22-point lead. Will Day extended Hawthorn’s lead early in the second half, but Dan Houston quickly responded. Zak Butters and Willem Drew might face scrutiny from the MRO for high contact with Lloyd Meek and a dangerous tackle on Jai Newcombe, respectively.
Jack Ginnivan added another goal, celebrating in his signature style, followed by Hardwick’s fifth goal, extending Hawthorn’s lead to 37 points. Channel 7 caller Brian Taylor observed that the Hawks had adapted better to the wet conditions at Adelaide Oval than the home side.
