Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is convinced Charlie Dixon will stick with the club despite ongoing uncertainty around the key forward’s AFL future.
Dixon is out of contract at the end of the season and was the subject of speculation this week when commentator Mark Ricciuto – who is Adelaide’s football director – suggested the Power star was being chased by Brisbane.
“Charlie’s not going, Charlie’s staying,” Hinkley told reporters on Friday.
“He’s very loyal, his teammates love him, he loves the club.
“I’m surprised at how much he actually loves being in Adelaide even, to be fair, not just at our footy club.
“He just loves the environment and he’s said that to me, so I’d be surprised if he was anywhere but Port Adelaide.”
Dixon is in his fifth season with the Power after five with Gold Coast and all but slammed the door shut on a move away from Alberton in a media appearance on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old has rekindled his form this year and leads Port’s goal kicking with 23.16 in 12 games, having recovered from a serious leg injury and associated mental health issues that took a toll over the previous 18 months.
“It’s a great story, he’s been great for us as a footy club and we’ve been equally as good for him,” Hinkley said.
“I think that’s why the partnership would continue to go (forward).”
Dixon will again be a key cog in the Power’s planning as they attempt to maintain top spot on the ladder with a win over lowly Sydney on Saturday.
Hinkley confirmed five changes to a team that squeezed past Hawthorn last week, with Ryan Burton (quad), Connor Rozee (heel) and Todd Marshall (thumb) all back from injury.
Promising forward Mitch Georgiades is out with what the coach said was a “very minor” hamstring issue.
“Our injury list is in a pretty good position,” Hinkley said.
“We’ve got our best opportunities like every club would wish for if you can get your best players and your list available at the right time.
“But you’ve still got to maximise (those opportunities), you’ve still got to play well.”
Young star Xavier Duursma is back after just one week out of the side, recalled along with experienced defender Cam Sutcliffe.
Sam Mayes, Jarrod Lienert, Steven Motlop and Boyd Woodcock have all been left out with Georgiades.
