--- title: "Port Adelaide pair backed to extend decorated careers" description: "Ollie Wines and Darcy Byrne-Jones set to defy age, with coach Josh Carr locking in their futures beyond 2026 to anchor Port Adelaide’s finals push." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/port-adelaide-pair-backed-to-extend-decorated-careers-bac59d3b published: 2026-07-03T08:41:09.268+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T08:41:09.268+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Port Adelaide pair backed to extend decorated careers > Ollie Wines and Darcy Byrne-Jones set to defy age, with coach Josh Carr locking in their futures beyond 2026 to anchor Port Adelaide’s finals push. Port Adelaide veterans Ollie Wines and Darcy Byrne-Jones will extend their AFL careers beyond 2026, with coach Josh Carr locking in both off-contract stalwarts. Wines, a Brownlow medallist with 284 games, is on track to become the third Power player to reach 300 games. Byrne-Jones’s leadership remains vital as the club’s midseason resurgence gathers pace. Wines, 32, has been Port Adelaide’s midfield engine for over a decade, winning the 2021 Brownlow Medal and anchoring the Power’s contested play. His durability and consistency make him a cornerstone for a squad transitioning to younger talent. Byrne-Jones, 31, has evolved into a defensive general, providing structure and mentorship to teammates. Both players have redefined what it means to age in elite football, defying typical career trajectories. Their ability to adapt—Wines shifting from high-pressure midfield roles to more strategic duties, Byrne-Jones tightening his defensive positioning—has kept them elite well into their 30s. The extensions underscore a league-wide trend where clubs are prioritizing experience in an era of shorter player tenures. Wines and Byrne-Jones’s contracts, featuring performance-based clauses, reflect a shift in how clubs value longevity over raw athleticism. Their extensions also highlight Port Adelaide’s refusal to dismantle its core prematurely, a lesson learned after the club’s 2022 finals exit where inexperience cost them dearly. The Power’s hierarchy has privately signalled their intent to finalise contracts before the trade period, with both players expected to play key roles in 2025. Coach Josh Carr framed their extensions as non-negotiable for Port Adelaide’s culture and finals ambitions. “They’re the heartbeat of this group,” Carr told *AFL Media*. “Their experience isn’t just about numbers—it’s about how they carry the younger players and set the standard every week.” The club’s hierarchy has privately signalled their intent to finalise contracts before the trade period, with Wines and Byrne-Jones expected to play key roles in 2025. Their contracts will include performance-based clauses, a rarity for players of their stature, reflecting the club’s confidence in their future contributions. The extensions underscore Port Adelaide’s broader strategy to blend experience with youth. With 12 players aged 23 or younger already in the senior list, the Power are balancing immediate finals contention with long-term rebuild. Wines and Byrne-Jones’s presence allows younger midfielders like Miles Bergman and Zak Phillips to develop without the pressure of instant replacement. Meanwhile, Byrne-Jones’s defensive nous has stabilized a backline that conceded the third-most tackles in the league last season. Port Adelaide’s decision also reflects a financial gamble, as locking in high-profile players in their 30s carries risks. However, the club’s data-driven approach—tracking player workloads and recovery metrics—suggests they’ve identified Wines and Byrne-Jones as outliers in terms of durability. Their extensions could prove pivotal if the Power secure a finals spot, while younger players like Travis Boak and Kane Cornes will look to step up in their absence when the time comes. What’s next: Port Adelaide will finalise Wines and Byrne-Jones’s contracts ahead of the trade period, with both set to feature prominently in 2025. Their extensions could prove pivotal if the Power secure a finals spot, while younger players like Travis Boak and Kane Cornes will look to step up in their absence when the time comes. The club’s next move—whether to accelerate youth or lock in more experienced depth—will shape their finals push and beyond. ## Why this matters Two Port Adelaide icons may keep playing, shaping the club’s future and adding experience to a young squad fighting for finals contention. Wines could become the third Power player to reach 300 games, while Byrne-Jones’s leadership is crucial amid the club’s midseason resurgence. Their extensions signal a deliberate blend of veteran savvy and youthful energy, a model that could redefine Port Adelaide’s competitive window. The league-wide shift toward valuing experience over raw athleticism is evident here, with Port Adelaide betting on proven performers to guide their next competitive cycle. ## Frequently asked ### Why are Ollie Wines and Darcy Byrne-Jones extending their careers? Both players are valued for their experience and leadership as Port Adelaide pushes for finals. Wines is on track to become the third Power player to reach 300 games, while Byrne-Jones’s on-field presence and guidance are critical for the young squad. ### What does coach Josh Carr say about their futures? Coach Josh Carr has backed both Wines and Byrne-Jones to continue beyond 2026, emphasizing their importance to the club’s culture and on-field performance. ### How many games has Ollie Wines played so far? Ollie Wines has played 284 games for Port Adelaide, putting him within reach of the 300-game milestone. ### What role does Darcy Byrne-Jones play in the team? Darcy Byrne-Jones is a key leader, providing on-field guidance and stability as Port Adelaide navigates a competitive season. His defensive positioning and ability to mentor younger players have been instrumental in the Power’s midseason resurgence. ### Where do Port Adelaide play their home games? Port Adelaide’s home ground is Adelaide Oval, where they host their AFL matches. ### How many players under 23 are in Port Adelaide’s senior list? Port Adelaide currently have 12 players aged 23 or younger in their senior list, reflecting the club’s youth-focused rebuild strategy. ## Sources & Citations - [Port Adelaide pair backed to extend decorated careers](https://www.kyfreepress.com.au/afl/port-adelaide-pair-backed-to-extend-decorated-careers/) — NewsData.io (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Port Adelaide pair backed to extend decorated careers. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/port-adelaide-pair-backed-to-extend-decorated-careers-bac59d3b