PORT ADELAIDE’S positive start to season 2017 continues tonight with news that Sam Powell-Pepper is the AFL’s Rising Star nominee for Round 1.

It should come as little surprise to Port fans, ‘SPP’ enjoyed a bumper debut.

Starting at the ruck contest on debut, the West Australian delivered two goals to the Power’s 28-point final margin, had 19 disposals, a massive seven clearances and five inside 50s.

Taken at pick 18 from East Perth in last November’s AFL Draft, Powell-Pepper had a strong pre-season – playing every game for the Power in the JLT Community Series – and has looked a confident and enthusiastic addition to the midfield.

His big body and ability to hunt the contested ball will appeal greatly to the Port faithful.

Ken Hinkley was satisfied by what Powell-Pepper offered in the game.

"I'm sure there's some people - our recruiters and list managers - who'd be very, very pleased with some of the decisions that were made in the off-season," Hinkley said.

"We love what all our boys whohave come to the club this year [have brought], we wanted a certain style of footballer.

"Sam demonstrated that really well for us, it's his first game and he's got lots of footy to play yet, but he certainly brings the part of the game we love the most, and that's competitiveness."

Port Adelaide has had two Rising Star winners in the past - Michael Wilson in 1997 and Danyle Pearce in 2005. A selected panel will vote on the eventual winner from the 22 nominees identified throughout the course of this year.

Port Adelaide (and SPP) next play Fremantle at the Adelaide Oval at 4.10pm ACST on Sunday 2 April.

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