What a game from Port Adelaide’s young bull!
Sam Powell-Pepper had his best game for the Power as they ran over the top of the GWS Giants to the tune of 17 points and went on their way to staying top of the AFL ladder for another week.
The young midfielder was at his bullocking best on Sunday afternoon, busting packs the only way he knows how and often getting Port on the front foot in what was a tough, tense, contested brand of football.
Sam Powell-Pepper had a superb game, gathering 22 disposals, eight of which were contested, kicking a crucial goal along with three clearances. He led the team in metres gained with 442, had six inside 50s while going at 77 per cent disposal efficiency, something that has been his main area of weakness since he debuted.
For me he was Port Adelaide’s best player on the day, and it was his willingness to run and hassle the opposition as he led the side in pressure acts with 24 was his major feature.
Hats off to Sam it must be said, as he has been much the maligned figure over the past season or so but credit where it is due and Sunday’s performance should make people hold off on their criticism of the young midfielder, but as with any player he just has to do it consistently.
Honourable Mention: Kane Farrell
Another who surprised on Sunday afternoon was Kane Farrell. Deployed on the wing by Ken Hinkley, the classy left footer had himself a day too, while not as obvious to the neutrals, Power fans could not help but notice his performance me being one.
Farrell had 19 disposals, kicked a goal which was a booming shot from way outside 50 that had some serious power behind it, had two clearances along with three inside 50s.
Add to that his 400 metres gained which was second to Powell-Pepper and a monster eight score involvements, he announced himself to Hinkley and the coaching staff that perhaps the wing is his position now, having been played as a half forward for much of his young career.
If Sunday’s game is anything to go by Xavier Durrsma might have a hard time getting his wing back.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Yeah I'm the same, I think the answer is that Ken has his favourites. It's one of the knocks I have on Hinkley.
JW
Guest
I used to not understand why Hinkley kept picking Amon, but he's won me over since halfway through last year. He looks pretty composed with the footy these days and gets a decent amount of the ball.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Yeah I can see that, Bonners kick can be unreliable and Amon has been serviceable without being great, its a slight chink in our depth seemingly.
Slick
Roar Rookie
Can’t help but disagree re Amon not being in best 22. He has performed great all year. Bonner has had a couple of shockers so far.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Dursma will come straight back in and Farrell will go to half forward to cover for Ebert I think. He was in brilliant form and is really consistent for a winger, Amon and Motlop would want to perform every game from here on in, I still think Amon isn’t really in our best 22, luckily for him Polec left and he was the other left footed wing, Bonner could fill that spot. If Mots puts the effort in he’s an A-grader and has a permanent spot in the 22, if not and he does the Motlop family trait of one great game to three poor games then he’s out, his uncle (who I used to buy my footy boots off) and dad were amazing footy players but were inconsistant as well, hopefully Ports depth keeps him on his toes. I love the fact the Pep’s lowering his eyes now, apparently he’s one of the best runners and trainers at the club so that bodes well for him and the clubs long term future, he’d be a nightmare to play on, you would have to earn your touches.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
You can see how much he's worked on it, he seems to be a very motivated young man.
Slick
Roar Rookie
"If Sunday’s game is anything to go by Xavier Durrsma might have a hard time getting his wing back." Xavier Duursma will have no issue getting his spot back when he's fit. In his short career so far, he's been extremely consistent and has earned the favour of Hinkley.
JW
Guest
What most impressed me about SPP was how much his kicking has improved. Even on the run at near full pace he was hitting targets (on a night when everyone else missed targets). If he keeps that skill level up he's going to be a very good player, as he already knows how to win the ball.