Ollie Wines: Brownlow Medallist, Heart Surgery, and Suspension

Ollie Wines has built a career that few AFL midfielders can match — a Brownlow Medal, nearly 300 games, and the respect of his peers. But in recent years, his journey has taken unexpected turns, from heart surgery to personal milestones, and here’s what we know about the Port Adelaide star’s life on and off the field.

Games played: 287 (as of 2025) ·
Brownlow Medals: 1 (2021) ·
Years active: 2013–present ·
Height: 187 cm ·
Club: Port Adelaide ·
Draft pick: 7th overall, 2012

Five key facts at a glance: the numbers that frame Ollie Wines’ career.

What is Ollie Wines’ heart condition?

Ollie Wines has been managing a recurring heart rhythm issue since 2022, when he was first diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. In April 2022, he was substituted out of a match against Melbourne after feeling unwell and spent a night in hospital (Port Adelaide FC club statement). The club later confirmed the irregularity resolved on its own (Port Adelaide FC club statement).

Wines said at the time that the prognosis was positive and that the condition was common among elite athletes. He also stressed it was unrelated to COVID-19 vaccination or myocarditis.

What surgery did Ollie Wines have?

In December 2024, Wines underwent a procedure that had a one per cent failure rate. By early 2025, he confirmed the procedure had not worked, and the club reverted to an earlier intervention plan that was “working well so far”.

Later in 2025, Wines was subbed out at halftime against Sydney with an irregular heartbeat, and reports indicated he was considering another round of heart surgery at season’s end.

What this means: the condition is persistent, and while Wines can still play, each episode requires careful medical management. The catch is that even a 99% success rate procedure didn’t hold — the next intervention will be critical.

Does Ollie Wines have a partner?

Yes. Ollie Wines is in a relationship with Emma, though the couple is not married. They have a child born in 2022.

Does Ollie Wines have a child?

He and Emma welcomed their first child in 2022. Wines has shared occasional family moments on social media but keeps the details private.

Who is Ollie Wines’ partner?

Emma is Wines’ long-term partner. She has been a steady presence during his health challenges, and the couple’s supportive dynamic is often mentioned in club profiles.

Is Ollie Wines married?

No, he is not married. As of 2025, Wines and Emma remain in a de facto relationship.

The pattern: Wines keeps his personal life low-key, but the arrival of a child and the support of his partner have been constants during his busiest years.

Why are Ollie Wines banned?

Reports indicate Wines received a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle during the 2025 season. The ban was upheld at the AFL tribunal, and he missed rounds 4-6 of the season. No official source has been confirmed for this report.

The implication: if confirmed, the suspension adds another layer to Wines’ challenges in 2025, alongside his ongoing heart condition management.

Did Ollie Wines win a Brownlow medal?

Yes. Ollie Wines won the Brownlow Medal in 2021, polling 36 votes to claim the AFL’s highest individual honour. He became the first Port Adelaide player to win the medal since Gavin Wanganeen in 1993.

How much money do you get if you win a Brownlow Medal?

The prize money for the Brownlow Medal is approximately $100,000, though Wines has not publicly commented on the financial aspect. The medal’s prestige far outweighs the cash prize for most players.

Why this matters: the Brownlow win cemented Wines as one of the elite midfielders of his generation, making the heart condition that followed all the more jarring for fans.

What are Ollie Wines’ career statistics?

Wines has played 287 games as of 2025, all for Port Adelaide. He was drafted with the 7th overall pick in 2012 and made his debut in 2013.

How many games has Ollie Wines played?

287 games at the end of the 2025 season. He has been a consistent performer, rarely missing games outside of his heart-related episodes.

Ollie Wines contract details

Wines signed a contract extension in 2023 that ties him to Port Adelaide through 2027. The deal reflects the club’s long-term faith in his leadership and on-field value.

The trade-off: the contract extension came before the heart episodes became recurrent. Port Adelaide now faces the challenge of managing a star player’s health while honouring a long-term commitment.

Timeline of key events

• 1994 – Born in Echuca, Victoria
• 2012 – Drafted by Port Adelaide with pick 7
• 2013 – AFL debut
• 2021 – Won Brownlow Medal
• April 2022 – First heart episode, hospitalised
• 2024 – Recurrence against Hawthorn (ESPN Australia sports news)
• December 2024 – Heart procedure
• 2025 – Subbed out against Sydney; considers further surgery

The implication: the timeline shows a pattern of episodes that are manageable but recurring. Each event adds to the question of whether Wines can sustain a full season without interruption.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Voices from the club and player

“He’s well. The club expects him to play the following week.”

— Ken Hinkley, Port Adelaide coach, on Wines’ 2024 heart episode

“The prognosis is really positive. It’s common in elderly people and elite athletes.”

— Ollie Wines, on his heart rhythm issue in 2022

Both comments reflect a calm, matter-of-fact approach from the club and the player. The medical team’s confidence is high, but the unpredictability of the condition keeps everyone cautious.

For Port Adelaide, the immediate question is when Wines can return to the field without further episodes. For the player himself, the priority is managing a condition that, while not life-threatening, has already cost him games. The balance between career longevity and health will define the next phase of his story.

Related reading: Tom De Koning: Career, Contract, Injury & Family · Gary Ablett: English Footballer and Australian Rules Star Guide

For more on the Port Adelaide star’s health struggles and time on the sidelines, read about Ollie Wines heart condition and suspension.

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