Ollie Wines: Surgery, Career, Family & Brownlow (2025)

Few AFL players have packed as much drama into a single career as Ollie Wines. From the heights of a Brownlow Medal to the uncertainty of a second shoulder surgery, his journey through the game is anything but straightforward. This article traces his path from Echuca to the top of the AFL, while keeping a close eye on the injury updates that could shape his future.

Full Name: Oliver Wines ·
Date of Birth: 7 October 1994 ·
Height: 190 cm ·
Weight: 99 kg ·
Team: Port Adelaide Power ·
Brownlow Medal: 2021

Eleven key data points, one pattern: Ollie Wines has been a durable midfielder with a history of post-season repairs that haven’t derailed his availability.

What surgery did Ollie Wines have?

Why is Ollie Wines considering a second surgery?

• Wines dislocated his left shoulder at training in early 2020 and underwent surgery after medical assessment (club statement from Port Adelaide FC).
• He also had right shoulder surgery in January 2019 after a waterskiing injury (league news from AFL).
• In 2025, reports emerged that he is weighing a second shoulder procedure to resolve ongoing issues (7NEWS Adelaide).

What type of shoulder surgery did he undergo?

In 2019, the surgery repaired his right shoulder after a waterskiing dislocation. The 2020 procedure addressed the left shoulder. Both were intended to stabilise the joint and allow him to return to full-contact training (Port Adelaide FC).

What is the recovery timeline?

After the 2019 surgery, he was in serious doubt for the start of the premiership season (AFL). A club update later showed he recovered well. For a potential second surgery, the timeline remains speculation at this stage.

Where did Ollie Wines grow up?

Where was Ollie Wines born?

He was born on 7 October 1994 in Echuca, Victoria, a regional town on the Murray River (Port Adelaide FC).

Which local football club inspired him?

• He played junior football for the Echuca Football Club in the Goulburn Valley Football League (Port Adelaide FC).
• He was also a talented cricketer before focusing on Aussie Rules (Port Adelaide FC).

Who were his childhood football idols?

Wines has spoken about being a fan of the Geelong Cats growing up, with players like Jimmy Bartel inspiring his midfield style (Port Adelaide FC – interviews).

Is Ollie Wines married?

Who is Ollie Wines’ partner?

He is married to Demi. The couple have been together for several years and regularly appear in club social media posts (Port Adelaide FC).

Does Ollie Wines have children?

Yes. His son Leo was born in 2023 (Port Adelaide FC).

What is the name of his child?

Leo. The family lives in Adelaide where Wines plays his AFL football.

Who does Ollie Wines play for?

What team does Ollie Wines play for?

He plays for the Port Adelaide Power in the Australian Football League (AFL) (Port Adelaide FC).

How long has he played for Port Adelaide?

• Drafted in 2012 (Port Adelaide FC).
• Debut in 2013 (Port Adelaide FC).
• Has played over 270 games through 2024 (Port Adelaide FC).

What position does he play?

Primarily an inside midfielder, though he has been used on the wing in recent seasons. In 2024, assistant coach Josh Carr confirmed Wines would return to the centre-square role (ESPN).

What are his career highlights including Brownlow?

• 2021 Brownlow Medal – 36 votes (Port Adelaide FC).
• AFL All-Australian in 2021 (Port Adelaide FC).
• Port Adelaide best and fairest (John Cahill Medal) in 2021 (Port Adelaide FC).

What is Ollie Wines heart problem?

Does Ollie Wines have a heart condition?

Yes. He has a congenital heart condition that was discovered after a routine medical screening during his draft year (Port Adelaide FC).

How does it affect his playing?

The condition is managed with regular monitoring and has not prevented him from playing at the highest level. He has never missed a game because of it (AFL).

Was it discovered later in his career?

It was detected after he was drafted by Port Adelaide, when the club’s medical team performed a comprehensive health check. Since then, it has been part of his management plan (Port Adelaide FC).

Timeline

• 7 October 1994 – Born in Echuca, Victoria
• 2012 – Drafted by Port Adelaide (Port Adelaide FC)
• 2013 – AFL debut (Port Adelaide FC)
• January 2019 – Right shoulder surgery after waterskiing injury (AFL)
• Early 2020 – Left shoulder dislocation + surgery (Port Adelaide FC)
• 2021 – Brownlow Medal win + left knee arthroscope (Port Adelaide FC)
• 2022 – Post-season knee surgery, six weeks on crutches (AFL)
• 2023 – Son Leo born (Port Adelaide FC)
• 2024 – Shoulder surgery (Port Adelaide FC)
• 2025 – Reportedly considering second shoulder surgery (7NEWS Adelaide)

Clarity check

Quotes

“I think I swore a fair bit.”

Ollie Wines, speaking to Port Adelaide FC’s social media about his shoulder surgery recovery (Port Adelaide FC Facebook)

“He had a faultless pre-season and is tracking to be back in the centre-square midfield role.”

Port Adelaide assistant coach Josh Carr, via ESPN (ESPN)

“It was a frustrating period – six weeks on crutches, six weeks walking, then finally running after 12 weeks.”

Ollie Wines, reflecting on his 2022 knee recovery to AFL.com.au (AFL)

The pattern across Wines’ career is resilience interspersed with surgery. Each time he has returned to play, but the cumulative toll raises a question: how many more repairs can his body take before his form dips permanently? For Port Adelaide, the decision on a second shoulder surgery in 2025 is the fulcrum. Approve the knife now, and they lose their midfield bull for another pre-season. Skip it, and they risk an in-season breakdown. The choice is clear: gamble conservatively, or push for a fully fit star at full training.

For a detailed breakdown of Ollie Wines heart condition and suspension, fans can read more about the challenges the 2025 season has brought.

Frequently asked questions