Sam Powell-Pepper is enjoying a move further up the ground in 2020 as a high-pressure physical forward.

SAM POWELL-PEPPER made a promise to coach Ken Hinkley to hunt defenders in his new found role as a forward, and it seemed to pay off in his first competitive hit-out in the position.

Powell-Pepper’s ferocious tackling and pressure was a highlight in the Power’s 21-point win over Brisbane at Moreton Bay on Sunday.

The 22-year-old’s desire to impact in the forward half was no more evident than when his tackle on Marcus Adams in the goal square in the second quarter led directly to a Zak Butters goal.

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Powell-Pepper piles on Power pressure | PTV

Zak Butters reaps the rewards of a strong Powell-Pepper tackle and Port push out their lead in the second quarter.

“That’s one of the things that I promised Kenny,” Powell-Pepper told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“He just wants me to bring that pressure and that hunt down forward and cause a few turnovers like I did on the goal line so a bit more of that this year I reckon.”

Powell-Pepper is expected to spend more time in the forward half of the ground in 2020 and he is already enjoying the move.

“We’ve got a few mids and the coaches came up to me and said I would play a bit of a forward/mid role this year, more forward than mid,” he said.

“I just embraced it and I’m loving it down there and I think I work well with Buttsy and Connor and those boys down there so I’m loving every bit and I can’t wait for the season.”

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Sam Powell-Pepper post match interview | PTV

We speak to Sam Powell-Pepper after the win over Brisbane in the Marsh Community Series.

While Powell-Pepper was one of the Power’s best in the win over the Lions, he was pleased to see Charlie Dixon (four goals) and Steven Motlop (three goals) among the goals and the best players after all the hard work the duo had put in over the off-season.

Powell-Pepper himself finished with 23 disposals, five marks and, pleasing for him, seven tackles as his side overcame a slow start to blow away the Lions in the second half.

“We thought we started off a little bit slow in the first quarter but then we came in and said we’ve got to crack in a bit harder and do what we’d practised all pre-season and it came off pretty well in the end so I’m pretty proud of the boys,” he said.

“We just said stay more composed with the footy – we were a bit rushed in the first quarter – so we said stay composed, keep doing what we’ve been doing all pre-season.”

The Power’s final Marsh Community Series game is at Whyalla’s Bennett Oval against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday 7 March.

Powell-Pepper is a chance to be part of the side which will tackle Adelaide in an under 23 Showdown this Saturday 29 February, at Thebarton Oval from 12pm.