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Port's Dixon AFL comeback to be delayed

3 minute read

Port Adelaide forward Charlie Dixon's AFL return is likely to be delayed at least another week, coach Ken Hinkley says.

CHARLIE DIXON of the Power celebrates a goal during the AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Port Adelaide Power at Mars Stadium in Ballarat, Australia.
CHARLIE DIXON of the Power celebrates a goal during the AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Port Adelaide Power at Mars Stadium in Ballarat, Australia. Picture: Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images

The AFL comeback of Port Adelaide's key forward Charlie Dixon is set to delayed at least another week.

Dixon made his comeback in state league ranks last weekend, 10 months after breaking his right leg.

The attacking spearhead kicked five goals for Port's second-tier side but coach Ken Hinkley says Dixon is unlikely to be summoned for Saturday's AFL game against Fremantle in Perth.

"I think it would be wrong if we didn't give Charlie another game (in the state league)," Hinkley told SEN radio on Tuesday.

"It is really exciting when you're going to Perth and you think 'gee, it would be good to have the big fella there'.

"But there is still another 11 weeks to go and everything is not going to be bought and sold this weekend."

Power co-captain Ollie Wines is also in the AFL selection frame after returning with Dixon in the state league last weekend after fracturing ankle in round seven.

However Hinkley said he was also leaning to giving Wines another state league game before returning to the AFL.

But Port's vice-captain Hamish Hartlett could make his AFL comeback against the Dockers - he hasn't played at the elite level since undergoing a knee reconstruction last April and then being hampered by hamstring problems while on the comeback trail.

"We're pretty keen for Hammer (Hartlett) to come back into the team," Hinkley said.

"He was probably ready to play in Shanghai but we again waited and took the cautious approach.

"We have been in pretty good form with that group of defenders and we have certainly got plenty available but Hammer is our vice-captain and we would love to have him back out there."

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