Sam Powell-Pepper’s stats compare with Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin’s at the same time and would see him become the Power’s best ever player if his career maintains its current trajectory, says Kane Cornes.
“When comparing their statistics after 31 games it’s Powell-Pepper who is more advanced. He averages more tackles (5.7 per game), contested possessions (8.8) and has 11 more wins than the man they call Dusty at the same point in their careers,” Kane has written for News Ltd.
“Martin, however, averaged three more disposals (21), one more clearance (4.2) and had kicked five more goals (25) after his first 31 outings.
“Powell-Pepper tops Martin in the defensive side of the game which was highlighted by his season-high 94 pressure points on Friday night. Pressure points is a weighted sum of pressure acts and takes into account physical, implied, chasing and closing pressure acts. It is rare for a young player to embrace the defensive side of the game like Powell-Pepper. He has laid an astonishing 35 tackles in his last three games…
“For Powell-Pepper to keep tracking towards the lofty heights of Martin he will need to improve his decision-making and disposal by foot. This is the area of his game that has most often let him down.
“His desire to improve his forward craft will also have a bearing on just how good he becomes…
“If his career maintains the same trajectory he will go from being a recruiters steal to the Power’s greatest ever player.”
Better than Dusty after 31 games… @TheTiserSport https://t.co/aqOKXUUoGj pic.twitter.com/BsDB9d10le
— Kane Cornes (@kanecornes) June 24, 2018
