Port Adelaide forward Sam Powell-Pepper ‘couldn’t be prouder’ of his rise to the Power’s 2024 leadership group

Sam Powell-Pepper had a rocky 2021 season. But after two fantastic years, the hardworking forward has become a Power leader – and he feels like he has earned it.

Sam Powell-Pepper in action during 2023. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Sam Powell-Pepper feels like he has earned his spot in Port Adelaide’s leadership group after becoming a player whose actions and words are highly influential.

The bullocking forward was named in the five-man contingent in December in a reward for his hard work over consecutive seasons as one of the Power’s most dependable footballers.

Powell-Pepper’s career appeared at the crossroads in 2021 after Port footy boss Chris Davies publicly warned him to show a proper commitment to the club.

The West Australian had taken a month of personal leave that season and was the substitute in both the Power’s finals.

But the 26-year-old responded these past two campaigns with two top-six finishes in the club champion award, becoming a player his teammates followed.

New Port Adelaide leader Sam Powell-Pepper (left). Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

He described joining the leadership group as one of his proudest moments.

“I feel like I’ve earnt that spot,” Powell-Pepper said.

“I wasn’t quite in the team before but worked my way up.

“The one thing Kenny (senior coach Ken Hinkley) said to me is I’m not a very talkative person but when I do speak, people listen.

“Not only that but the way I go in the gym, the way I go out on the pitch – I go my hardest.

“I think Kenny understands that people follow that as well.

“I haven’t tried to be anyone else but myself and I think they value that.”

Powell-Pepper was pulled aside before training earlier in the summer and taken into an office to learn the news.

Joining him were fellow leadership group members, all of whom were new to the roles: skipper Connor Rozee, vice-captain Zak Butters, Dan Houston and Willem Drew.

“I had a big smile and was very grateful as well,” he said.

“I couldn’t be prouder of myself.

“Growing up, I never thought this could be an option but I’ve had a lot of support and help along the way.

“And I’ve done a lot of hard work myself.”

Powell-Pepper with his daughters Frankie and Billie. Picture: Instagram

At the Power’s leadership group announcement in December, Hinkley labelled Powell-Pepper one of the people he was proudest of in his football journey.

Powell-Pepper said that comment, from a coach he also considered a friend, was special.

“Me and Kenny have had a very tight-knit relationship since day one and he’s had my back ever since,” he said.

“I’ve always wanted to be that role model and a good person and the best player I can be, but people have their ups and downs in life.

“It’s about the way you come back from that and I feel like I’ve done that very well.”

Powell-Pepper paid special tribute to his family, including his fiancee Brya and daughters, Frankie, 1, and Billie, six months, for their role in his rise.