Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon believes Ollie Wines has every right to delay a decision on his future until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old is out of contract and told SEN Breakfast yesterday he is still “weighing up” his future, which drew criticism from Power great Kane Cornes.
However, Lyon says there is nothing wrong with Wines taking his time when deciding where he wants to continue his football career.
“He may be seriously considering an offer that’s come out of the blue from whoever,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“He has a right to wait.
“He has a contract that says he plays until the end of this year and he can play out that contract, and if he wants to recommit to Port Adelaide, he can recommit at any stage.”
Lyon did concede, though, he thinks the club would prefer to know Wines’ status, so they can prepare contingencies if he departs.
“The obvious thing for Port Adelaide is they need to know at some stage before the end of the season I would think, because they need to plan for if he is going,” he said.
Cornes suggested the Power need to hand Wines an “ultimatum,” hinting the club is annoyed at Wines' latest comments.
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“Clearly Wines, despite his love for the Power and having a contract offer on the table which would make him the highest paid player at the club, is still hanging out for more money,” he told Sportsday SA.
“Enough is enough. Port Adelaide has played nice to this point, but no doubt, they’re a little annoyed at the latest development.
“Enough of the circus. I’d be giving Wines two weeks to sign the offer in front of him.
“If he refuses, place all negotiations on hold until the end of the year.”
Listen to Ollie Wines' chat with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson on SEN Breakfast in the player below