STAR midfielder Ollie Wines is almost certain to re-sign with Port Adelaide and turn down the chance to return home to Victoria.
Wines, who is due to come out of contract at the end of 2018, has been on the wish list of most Victorian clubs as one of the competition's most imposing inside midfielders.
Clubs including Essendon have made inquiries about Wines, but things have progressed no further than that given the strong sense in football circles he will recommit to Port.
The 190cm on-baller remains in positive talks with the Power, while his manager, Nick Gieschen of TLA Australia, met with the club last week.
Both parties are confident a deal can be done to keep the 23-year-old at Alberton, where he shapes as a potential successor to long-time captain Travis Boak.
Given Wines is happy at Port and is a key part of the club's plans over coming seasons, it's understood a new contract could be signed soon.
However, there remain a few details to tick off on, with the length of the deal one thing that is yet to be finalised.
Port took Wines with pick No.7 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
The Echuca product has since played 116 games for the Power and finished second in the 2016 best and fairest count.
Wines is enjoying another stellar season in 2018.
After 10 rounds, he is Port's leading possession-winner, averaging 26.4 disposals a game, while he also tops the club for clearances (6.9 a game, sixth in the AFL) and centre clearances (2.6, equal 11th).
Have you taken the 2018 fan survey?
Use the form below and you can have your say on footy's big and small issues.
Survey not working in the app? Click here to open in a web view
