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Port's Dixon set for AFL comeback: Hinkley

3 minute read

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says Charlie Dixon is among a trio of experienced players set to return to AFL ranks against Geelong on Saturday night.

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

Port Adelaide key forward Charlie Dixon is set to make his AFL comeback, more than 10 months after suffering a horrific broken leg.

Power coach Ken Hinkley says Dixon, co-captain Ollie Wines and stalwart Brad Ebert are likely to play against ladder leaders Geelong on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval

Wines (fractured ankle) and Ebert (concussion) haven't featured in the AFL since round seven.

Dixon broke his right leg and damaged ligaments in his ankle during Port's round 21 fixture on August 11 last year.

The spearhead, who admitted to suffering depression during his rehabilitation, has played the past two state league games, kicking eight goals.

"I think Charlie is really close and done really well in his two weeks in the SANFL," Hinkley told SEN radio on Tuesday.

Midfielder Wines has also played the past two state league games while Ebert returned for Port's second-tier side last weekend.

Ebert sought specialists in Melbourne after being concussed in round seven, the latest in a string of such incidents to the 29-year-old.

"Brad was having his normal game and didn't have any doubts about his knocks in the head," Hinkley said of Ebert's return to action.

"It was good for him to take a knock to the head and feel pretty good afterwards.

"We think he is ready to play."

But veteran onballer Tom Rockliff won't play against the Cats - he will miss a third consecutive game because of a hamstring strain.

"We just haven't been able to get him clear, he gets to 85 per cent (fitness)," Hinkley said.

"We will get him absolutely right and don't rush it."

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