Sam Powell-Pepper reflects on the power of Port Adelaide team-mate Travis Boak as a life mentor

Ahead of Power stalwart Travis Boak’s 250th game on Friday night, Sam Powell-Pepper and Cameron O’Shea have praised their “life mentor” and “brother for life”.

• O’Shea’s heartfelt tribute to ‘selfless’ Boak
• Milestone man at his best
• Rozee runs rings around the rest

As a teenage high school student in Perth, Sam Powell-Pepper had Travis Boak as his role model in football.

“I wanted to play like Travis,” says the Port Adelaide midfield bull.

As an AFL player in Adelaide, Powell-Pepper has Boak as his life mentor.

“He has become my brother — for life,” Powell-Pepper told The Advertiser on the eve of Boak’s 250th AFL game.

This bond was certainly made 12 months ago when “SPP” was troubled from the fall-out — with his team-mates, the AFL and a media frenzy — after his late-night, early morning session on Hindley Street after a home win against Brisbane.

“I don’t think in the past; I think of the now,” said Powell-Pepper. “And I am in a good space for today because of what Travis has shown me.

“I’ve matured a lot since I’ve known him. And I’ve wanted to follow every step he takes — in recovery, diet, managing his body. I copy everything he does.”

Port captain Travis Boak (centre) with teammates Robbie Gray and Sam Powell-Pepper fixing up the Moseley Beach club after a storm. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Powell-Pepper, 21, is — as Boak’s housemate — in the rare space of understanding all Boak does to defy the notion that players hitting the age of 30 are in the “autumn” of their AFL careers.

“I’m not surprised that Travis is in the form he is today because I do see what he does outside of the football club,” Powell-Pepper said.

“I know just how dedicated he is to being the best player he can be. The countless hours he puts into being better had to come to something … and it certainly shows this year.

“He will search for every extra edge to find that extra little bit to add to his game. So it is no surprise to me that he is in the best form of his career now.

“And without the captaincy, he is a lot more relaxed … he has chilled.”

But not less caring, adds Powell-Pepper of Boak’s influence around the clubhouse at Alberton.

“Travis is a down-to-earth person who puts everyone — everyone — before himself,” Powell-Pepper said.

“He wants to see everyone is happy, everyone with a smile. He can be down and out and still make sure it is not about him. He is always there to chat to. He is always putting others before himself.

“He is always selfless — on and off the field. He just wants to see a smile on everyone’s face.”

Powell-Pepper started his AFL career — in Round 1, 2017 against Sydney at the SCG — in Boak’s 200th game.

“To be there for his 250th is more than an honour for me,” said Powell-Pepper, who will play his 45th AFL game in Boak’s milestone clash with Collingwood at the Melbourne Docklands on Friday night.

“And it more than just living that dream I had at high school to play like Travis Boak.

“It is even more than having Travis as someone to look up to, as a footballer and as a person. He is my brother for life.”