Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Ollie Wines Exits Game Due to Heart Condition Recurrence
Worrying scenes unfolded at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday as AFL player Ollie Wines was substituted during Port Adelaide’s match against the Sydney Swans due to a recurrence of a heart condition. The incident occurred after the Port Adelaide midfielder engaged in lengthy discussions with medical staff on the sidelines before briefly returning to the field.
Mid-Game Substitution Sparks Concern
The 30-year-old football star initially consulted with team doctors in the Port Adelaide bench area before re-entering the game. However, his time on the field was short-lived. Port Adelaide promptly activated their substitution, replacing Wines with Rory Atkins.
Team Doctor’s Assessment and Player Update
Reporting from the boundary line, Fox Sports journalist Alastair Lynch indicated the substitution was a precautionary measure due to ‘heart rhythm irregularities’. Lynch conveyed that while any cardiac-related condition is considered ‘serious’, Port Adelaide’s medical professionals were ‘very confident’ in Wines’ current state. Subsequently, Port Adelaide’s General Manager of Football, Chris Davies, disclosed that Wines was feeling considerably better after receiving medical attention in the team’s rooms.
History of Heart Condition
The Brownlow Medallist from 2021 received a diagnosis of a heart condition in 2022. In the same year, during a game against Melbourne, Wines was also substituted and subsequently hospitalized. The issue seemed to present itself again in the previous year during Port Adelaide’s encounter with Hawthorn, leading to another substitution.
Port Adelaide player Ollie Wines, 30, was taken out of the game against Sydney due to a heart concern.
The midfielder is understood to be experiencing a heart rhythm issue, for which he previously underwent surgery.
Surgical Procedure and Previous Comments
Earlier this year, in February, Wines informed Adelaide Now about undergoing a surgical procedure to rectify the heart issue, which he had been managing under expert medical supervision.
‘I had a procedure done prior to Christmas, and as far as I understand, it’s completely resolved,’ Wines stated.
‘I am not expecting to encounter this problem again.’
Playing Record Since Initial Diagnosis
Since the Melbourne game in Round Five of 2022, Wines has participated in 25 games, including five this season.
Reflecting on his condition in 2022, Wines explained, ‘It’s essentially a heart rhythm problem, quite prevalent among older individuals and high-performance athletes.’
‘Once it was clarified to me, it became very straightforward, and there are minimal long-term consequences.’
Game Performance and Further Updates
During the first quarter, Wines recorded eight disposals and four marks, contributing to Port Adelaide’s early advantage over the Swans.
During the three-quarter time break, Port Adelaide’s General Manager Davies provided an encouraging update on Wines’ health status.
Wines (pictured with partner Olivia) has been managing the condition with guidance from medical specialists.
‘Ollie experienced a minor heart flutter during the second quarter,’ Davies reported.
‘He is currently in the rooms and feeling significantly better. This is something he has been managing for some time. He is aware of the need to remove himself from the game when these episodes occur.’
‘Our primary concern is Ollie’s well-being. He is presently back to his normal state in the rooms. He will undergo the necessary assessments this week and could potentially be available for the upcoming game.’
Expert Commentary on Wines’ Condition
Jon Ralph offered further insight into the situation while speaking on Fox Footy.
‘Regarding the heart concerns he has faced since 2022, his cardiologist has reassured him that it is not life-threatening,’ Ralph commented.
‘It is certainly not career-ending, but it is understandably alarming when it occurs.’
‘We witnessed a similar incident in 2022 – he reported heart palpitations, dizziness, and nausea. He only missed one game against Carlton and returned the following week against West Coast, achieving 33 possessions and a goal.’
‘Medication quickly brought it under control then – but it did necessitate him missing that week.’
‘The pertinent question now is not about his career longevity but rather if he will miss the game against North Melbourne next week.’
‘Naturally, the club will not take any risks with Wines’ health.’
‘The expectation is that he might miss a week, and pending clearance from his cardiologist, he could return relatively quickly – despite the worrisome nature of today’s event.’