SAM Powell-Pepper says he couldn’t be prouder of being selected as part of Port Adelaide’s leadership group for 2024. 

The forward is now in his eighth AFL pre-season, and has gradually become an integral part of the team, both on and off the field. 

Powell-Pepper spoke to the Adelaide media on Wednesday about leadership, his own development and the motivation he gains from fatherhood. 

Powell-Pepper on pre-season so far 
“Yeah, it's been good. It’s my eighth or ninth preseason? I'm not really sure, I’ve lost count. But yeah, it's just as hard and yeah, the body's feeling pretty good. Looking forward to the season.” 

Powell-Pepper on his pre-season progress over the years 
“Obviously I get a bit fitter each year, you know, you learn about your body and you come out of your break well prepared for the pre-season ahead. So yeah, I think I was well prepared. And yeah, the body's a bit more mature now and I can run out a full pre-season…some of these old boys are a bit sore.” 

Powell-Pepper on the improvement in his fitness 
“We did something a bit different this year, we had three separate tests. So as soon as we got back, we did the two one kms and then did the Bronco tests and then another one. So yeah, I think I go fairly well on the Bronco one. I'm pretty happy with that. 

“As everyone knows, the forward role is pretty taxing on the body and you’ve got to do a few repeat efforts. So I did a lot of work with (head of physical performance) Stuart Graham and the physios and whatnot so I knew what my body needed to be capable of. And I felt like I've pushed myself really hard this pre-season and looking forward to playing that half forward role again. I think naturally over the eight pre-seasons, you generally build that tank and that fitness. I had a little bit of a base before l got drafted. But yeah, definitely, a lot of pre-seasons under the belt and pushing myself hard as well."

Powell-Pepper on being part of the leadership group 
“Yeah, definitely one of my proudest moments so far, just being a part of the leadership group. I felt like I've earned that spot and (in the past) I wasn't quite in the team before but worked my way up. And I feel like I have a lot of pull in the group and a lot of the boys listen to me. I'm more so leading by actions on the field and, and off as well. When I have to speak, I will but I won't go out of my way. But yeah, I'm really loving it. I feel like it's a pretty exciting role. I think I think we're the next core group that's going to take this team forward. I've been here from the start (of my career)…so it's pretty special. 

“I couldn't be prouder of myself. Growing up, you know, I never really thought this could be an option but I've had a lot of support and a lot of help along the way. But, you know, done a lot of hard work myself and couldn't be prouder.” 

Powell-Pepper on finding out he was in the leadership group 
“I got pulled aside before training and got asked to the office so I was a bit nervous there. So I wasn't really sure what to expect. They pretty much said “you’re part of the leadership group” and I couldn't really hold my excitement in, you know, a big smile, very grateful as well.” 

Powell-Pepper on his own growth 
“I've always wanted to be that role model and that good person, I always want to be the best player I can be as well. But you know, people have those ups and downs in life and it's just about the way you come back from it. And I feel like I've done that very well and special mention to my partner and my two little girls, you know, they keep me grounded and I'm very, very happy and very grateful for everything I have in life. They're pretty much at every open session here and my little one Frankie, she's obsessed with footy and she's always carrying a Port footy around everywhere we go. It's pretty special, just seeing how much she loves it. That just gives me more motivation to get up, go to training, work hard and get excited for games."

Powell-Pepper on being viewed as a leader 
“I think it’s pretty special. I've obviously made an impact on the group and the boys in the leadership group as well for choosing me. But yeah, I haven't tried to be anyone else but myself and I think they value that and I couldn't be happier.  

“I just go about my business the way I do every single game, you know, I do 110%... I only know one way and that's just to lead by example with my actions as well.” 

Powell-Pepper on Jason Horne-Francis 
“Yeah, I love watching (Jason) at training and in the gym, and just having him around at the club. He's just such a happy lad and we get along really well. And he's going to be a superstar of the game. The way he trains out there, he's going to do some special things this year.” 

Powell-Pepper on feedback from Ken Hinkley about leadership 
“I think the one thing that Kenny said to me was that I'm not a very talkative person, but when I do speak, people listen. Not only that, just the way I go in the gym, the way I go out on the pitch as well, you know, I go my hardest. And I think Kenny understands that people follow that as well.  So I feel like that's probably why they probably chose me to be part of the leadership group. 

“It obviously means quite a bit. Because me and Kenny have had a very tight knit relationship since day one. And he's had my back ever since. And he's been through quite a bit in his life as well so I think we can relate in certain parts of our lives. It's pretty special hearing that from the coach, and from someone I call a friend as well.” 

Powell-Pepper on Travis Boak’s influence 
“I still remember the first time Trav came up to me and asked me if I want to live with him (when I was younger). And yeah, that gave me so much happiness and excitement. (When I was appointed to the leadership group) I think he just said he was just really proud of me and it's a testament to what I've done and yeah, obviously I've looked up to him. He's been a leader since my first day and he's been the captain as well. So I look up to him a fair bit.” 

Powell-Pepper on his two daughters 
“I'm sure a lot of fathers know it's pretty tough, but it's pretty special as well. You come home every day after a long session, you know and sometimes it's tough but then as soon as they smile and laugh, it brightens the day.” 

Powell-Pepper on previous leadership experience  
“I've always been captain of my sides and I actually captained the AIS team as well. So I have had leadership qualities and people have seen that in me but it's kind of just come down to me and if I can see it in myself and use those leadership qualities, so I think I'm ready to do that now.