PORT ADELAIDE senior coach Ken Hinkley was extremely happy with the returns of co-captain Ollie Wines and key forward Charlie Dixon in the SANFL on the weekend.

Wines racked up 32 touches and 10 tackles, while Dixon booted five goals in the Magpies’ 20-point victory over Sturt at Alberton Oval in front of more than 5000 fans.

But Hinkley is reluctant to rush Dixon back into the senior side, especially with a Round 13 trip to Perth this weekend.

“I certainly couldn’t be happier with his return,” Hinkley told SEN SA’s Breakfast program.

“I think it would be wrong if we didn’t at least give Charlie another game and give him some opportunity.

“It’s really exciting, we are going to Perth and you think it would be handy to have the big fella there.

“But I think the bigger picture is, there is still another 11 weeks to go and not everything is bought and sold on this weekend.”

Dixon has admitted enduring some difficult times during his rehabilitation, including doubts about whether he would play again.

But the 28-year-old has been a popular sight back on the training track for teammates and coaches alike.

“He’s had plenty of challenges over that 10-month period and he has at times felt pretty lonely I’m sure,” Hinkley explained.

“Any time he plays, he’s an emotional big fella, and he does put it all out there.

“What is the great part is, whether it’s at the Magpies or the Power he just puts it out on the grass, and his teammates just love playing with him.”

Wines - who hasn’t played in the AFL since fracturing his fibula against Collingwood in Round 7 - is another player the club doesn’t want to rush back according to Hinkley.

“He will be in the mix,” he said.

“I think again, we will probably be a bit more cautious than rush, and we will give him an opportunity - probably more likely than not that we will give him another game in the Magpies.”

Vice-captain Hamish Hartlett has played the previous two games in the SANFL after overcoming hamstring issues, and Hinkley says the rebounding defender is also getting close to an AFL recall.

“We are pretty keen for Hammer to get back into the team,” he said.

“He’s done everything we’ve wanted and he was probably ready to play in Shanghai, again we waited and took the cautious approach.

“He’s right there, but we have been in pretty good form with that group of defenders.

“Hammer is our vice-captain and we would certainly like to have him back in the side very soon.”