ANOTHER bull has entered the Port Adelaide paddock and the coach Ken Hinkley is excited.
His name is Sam Powell-Pepper and he opened everyone's eyes when he knocked over Saints champion Nick Riewoldt early in the club's first JLT Community Series game.
Hinkley had already revealed his thoughts to AFL.com.au on the player chosen at No.18 in the NAB AFL Draft.
"Junior Ollie," Hinkley said.
"It's unfair to put too much pressure on him but he has done everything right."
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Riley Bonner in the Power's JLT clash against the Saints.
His four tackles and 12 touches included an explosive takeaway from congestion in the last quarter that showed he had a few tricks in the bag also.
Wines played every game in his first season under Hinkley and the coach admits Powell-Pepper reminds him of the Port Adelaide vice-captain.
"I'm not saying Sam will play every game because it is a long challenging season, more so than ever for young players, but I will be staggered if he doesn't play some football this year," Hinkley said.
Hinkley said he was excited about the prospects of the five players seen in Port Adelaide colours for the first time on Thursday night with Dan Houston's kicking impressive, Joe Atley showing a willingness to win the ball in tight, Brett Eddy looking like a smart forward and Aidyn Johnson returning from injury to get through the game.
Riley Bonner, who made his debut in the final round last season, also showed dash.
Hinkley said his philosophy with emerging players was the same regardless of who that player was.
"We give him the opportunities that he deserves as he works through them and if he deserves games we'll give him those games. If he needs more time we give them more time," he said.
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This story originally appeared on afl.com.au
