Sam Powell-Pepper is ready to take his physical game from junior football to the AFL

SAM Powell-Pepper is a big-bodied midfielder from WA and has an aggressive streak that has made him an intimidating force throughout his junior football.

IT only takes one tackle from Sam Powell-Pepper to know exactly what type of player he is.

The big-bodied midfielder from Western Australia has an aggressive streak that has made him an intimidating force throughout his junior football.

And he is looking to bring that same ruthless attitude to the big time.

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“I see my strengths as being that hard, contested player putting my head over the footy,” he said.

Powell-Pepper’s hunger for the contested ball has so far served the midfielder well.

He went into the WAFL season with the goal of playing just one senior game for East Perth.

Sam Powell-Pepper in action for WA. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Sam Powell-Pepper at the AFL Draft Combine. Picture: Mark Dadswell

So impressed were the coaches with his attack on the football that he went on to play five, including earning selection in the club’s elimination final side against Peel Thunder.

On the same field as AFL listed players like Jack Redden, Eric Mackenzie and Liam Duggan, Powell-Pepper did not look out of place.

But the teenager knows it is going to take more than a hard-edge to make it in the AFL.

Standing at 187cm and 90kg, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that, if he is drafted, he has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.

As well as being able to win his own football, Powell-Pepper has the speed and agility to burst out of a contest.

It is those attributes that have had some pundits comparing him to Richmond star Dustin Martin.

Like ‘Dusty’, Powell-Pepper knows where the big sticks are. He booted 27 goals across his senior and Colts WAFL games this season.

The Tigers would love to take another Martin type at pick 27 to slot next to Josh Caddy and Dion Prestia in the club’s new look midfield.

Sam Powell-Pepper hopes to get drafted on Friday.

Or will the Bombers pounce at pick 20 to add a powerful edge next to Darcy Parish and Zach Merrett?

Clubs outside of Western Australia don’t need to worry about any “go home factor” with the teenager.

Growing up, Powell-Pepper moved house four times and attended four different primary schools.

Despite the constant change, his love for footy never wavered.

“I’m fine with moving. I’d be happy to go to any club that wants me,” he said.

“I’m proud of sticking with footy when times got tough. I was moving from house to house but just kept trying to focus on footy.

“Footy was my gateway so I always looked forward to training and games.”