Port Adelaide teen Sam Powell-Pepper doesn't know what is cooler.
Being the first nominee for this season's AFL Rising Star award, or being dubbed a Bash Brother with his idol and new teammate Ollie Wines.
Powell-Pepper's impressive debut in Port's upset win against Sydney on Saturday contained the 19-year-old's trademark: a rugged, physical approach.
The West Australian's love for the physical contact of Australian Rules has led to comparisons with Wines - so much so, the duo have been dubbed the Bash Brothers.
"That is amazing to be called a Bash Brother with him," Powell-Pepper told reporters on Tuesday.
"I remember for years just looking at how he played and just idolised him.
"And now that I'm playing with him, to be called the Bash Brothers is a bit surreal.
"We're similar type of players. I'm just like a sponge around him, trying to learn as much as I can."
Powell-Pepper collected 19 disposals and kicked two goals in his AFL debut against Sydney and said he felt a sense of belonging - once the initial shock subsided of lining up on Swans including Josh Kennedy.
"It was a big step up. But I felt like I fitted well with the bigger bodies and just made sure I hit every contest as hard as I could," he said.
"Leading up the game, hearing that I'm going to playing on these types of players was very nerve-wracking, standing next to them I felt like I was in a dream.
"But as soon as the game went on I felt like I could match them physically so I just tried my hardest."
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