DAD SAM’S POWER OF LOVE
FATHERHOOD has made Sam Powell-Pepper happier than ever and given him extra purpose on the football field as he prepares to play his 100th AFL game.
The 24-year-old and his partner Brya welcomed their first child, Frankie Rose, in March, helping change his perspective on life and turn him into a self-described family man.
It had been a rollercoaster 2021 for Powell-Pepper, who took four weeks’ leave from the club last March to address off-field matters after missing training.
Then the club challenged him to be more committed during his off-season.
Over summer, the West Australian improved his fitness, including doing extra sessions with his teammates, and “laid low”.
Support from Brya, who moved from Perth to Adelaide last year, her family and the Power helped him through his off-field issues.
Now his new life as a dad has spurred the 2016 No.18 draft pick to become one of Port Adelaide’s most consistent players.
“It just opens your mind so much,” he said of being a father. “It’s a bit hard to talk about because you can’t really explain what it is until it happens to you.”