Sam Powell-Pepper to miss rest of season with ACL injury, Connor Rozee suffers hamstring strain

Port Adelaide have been dealt a huge blow with Sam Powell-Pepper to spend a significant amount of time on the sidelines, while skipper Connor Rozee learned his fate after a hamstring scan.

Port Adelaide forward Sam Powell-Pepper will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament on Friday night.

Powell-Pepper hurt himself in a marking contest during the third term and did not return to the field.

Scans on Saturday confirmed the 26-year-old, who was promoted to the leadership group over summer, would require surgery in coming days.

Power medical boss Tim O’Leary said the club was incredibly disappointed for Powell-Pepper.

“Sam is a dedicated and diligent athlete who attacks his training with unrelenting intensity, and will no doubt approach his rehab the same way,” O’Leary said.

“ He will continue to be as involved as he can, as a leader and important member of our playing group.

Sam Powell-Pepper lies on the turf after the injury. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s such a tough injury for a footballer to go through.

“We’re all behind him and we know he’ll come out the other side stronger and more determined.”

Powell-Pepper had only just returned to the side a fortnight ago after missing the opening four games of the season due to suspension.

Scans confirmed a lower-grade hamstring strain for captain Connor Rozee, who was in serious doubt for Thursday night’s Showdown.

Rozee, who also came off in the third term, was set to be assessed this week but faced a race against time given the short turnaround.

Key defender Aliir Aliir will be sidelined against the Crows after entering concussion protocols.

Originally published as Sam Powell-Pepper to miss rest of season with ACL injury, Connor Rozee suffers hamstring strain