SAM Powell-Pepper will join his Yartapuulti teammates this Friday night to open the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round against Narrm.
A proud Wadjuk and Ballardong man, Powell-Pepper paid a visit to the 16th annual Santos Aboriginal Power Cup on Thursday at Karen Rolton Oval, watching on as more than 500 First Nations youth participated on field.
The Yartapuulti forward chatted to the media about the Aboriginal Power Cup, what Sir Doug Nicholls Round (SDNR) means to him and what he expects from Narrm.
Powell-Pepper on the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup
“This is the 16th year of the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup and as you can see, it's a pretty big deal and the kids really love it, so it's good. It's an amazing event and it really pushes the kids with their schooling not just the footy side of things, so I think that's really important…all the kids that are here, they're doing really well which is a credit to them. Myself, being from WA, I would have really loved something like this (at a young age) going through school.
“I’ve been at Port for seven seasons now and each year as you get on, you get a bit more familiar with (the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup). All the kids really love the boys that come down, especially the Indigenous lads, and (the kids) feed quite a bit off it. Seeing Indigenous boys like us in the AFL, not just Indigenous boys, it's Indigenous girls as well, it gives them motivation and inspiration that they can get there as well.”
Powell Pepper on both teams taking on their Indigenous place names (Yartapuulti vs Narrm)
“It's been amazing, and Melbourne were the first to do it last year and we're following on with that trend this year. It's going to make history, the first two teams (to play each other) that have changed their names to Aboriginal language, which is huge. And kicking off Sir Doug Nicholls round is amazing at Adelaide Oval, which is such a good venue, and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the round pans out.
“A month or so ago Braedon (Talbot), he's our (Aboriginal Programs Manager) at Port and Shaun Burgoyne, they did a presentation to the boys and told us the meaning of (the name) and what it means to Port Adelaide and the Kaurna people and it's pretty amazing. I hope we will do it proud on the weekend. I’m very proud that Port Adelaide have put so much time into Indigenous culture and as you’ve seen in previous years, we have a rich history of Indigenous players.”
Powell-Pepper on making an impact during SDNR
“I think the past few years I’ve kicked a few goals, which is what you want to do (in SDNR). Obviously, all the family back home and all your mob are watching so you want to put on a bit of a show for them. It will be even better if we come off with the win, but we definitely want to put on a show, that's for sure.”
Powell-Pepper on Narrm’s form
“Melbourne is going really well at the moment and we really respect them as a team and we know they're going to come our firing tomorrow night. I think they’re doing really well this year and I reckon we will match that. We can’t wait to get out there.
“(Winning on Friday) will give us credibility. We want to be that permanent top-four side and if we get Melbourne done, when we get Melbourne done, it will be a big push (to keep) our spot in the top four. We've won a few in row now but we want to focus on each game that's ahead of us and right now it's Melbourne and we’re looking forward to it and think it’s going to be a really good game.”
Powell-Pepper on ruck options
“We obviously have Scooter (Scott Lycett) and Brynn (Teakle) as our main rucks and they’re both a big part of our team. Also big Jezza (Jeremy Finlayson) as well helps the boys out so whatever we go with, obviously it's going to be tough against (Max Gawn and Brondie Grundy). They're a very good duo and any player we put up against them, it's going to be tough so we're looking forward to it.”
