Profile

Name: Sam Powell-Pepper

Sport: AFL

Team: Port Adelaide Football Club

Bio: 

Originally hailing from Western Australia, Sam Powell-Pepper has built a reputation as a tough, relentless competitor with a thirst for the contest. His explosive power and ability to break tackles make him a damaging presence whenever the ball is in his hands.

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Drafted by Port Adelaide with pick 18 in the 2016 AFL Draft, Powell-Pepper made an immediate impact, debuting in the club’s 28-point win over Sydney in Round 1, 2017, at the SCG. He announced himself with a two-goal performance, earning the AFL Rising Star nomination for the round—his first goal coming with his very first kick in AFL football. That same year, he set a new club record with 17 tackles in a game against Melbourne, surpassing the previous mark of 15 set by Dom Cassisi (2009), Kane Cornes (2010), and Matthew Lobbe (2013). His effort also placed him equal sixth on the all-time AFL list for tackles in a single game.

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After transitioning to a high-pressure forward role in 2022, Powell-Pepper enjoyed a breakout season, finishing second in Port Adelaide’s goalkicking tally with 24 goals and playing every game for the club. Since then, he has cemented his place in the Power’s best 22, bringing trademark intensity, physicality, and consistency to the forward line.

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A popular figure within the playing group, Powell-Pepper’s leadership qualities were recognised with his elevation to the club’s leadership group in 2023. Now entering the 2025 season, he carries a renewed hunger for the game, ready to make his trademark impact once again.

 

Honours:

• 22under22 squad: 2018, 2020

• AFL Rising Star nominee: Round 1, 2017

• Brownlow votes: 21

• Leadership group: 2024–present

• Gavin Wanganeen Medal: 2017

• Port Adelaide club record: Most tackles in a game (17 vs. Melbourne, 2017)

 

Draft History: 2016 NAB AFL Draft, 1st round selection (Port Adelaide), No. 18