MELBOURNE, VICTORIA - FEBRUARY 23: Sam Powell-Pepper of the Power is tackled during the AFL 2017 JLT Community Series match between the St Kilda Saints and Port Adelaide Power at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has heaped praise on draftee Sam Powell-Pepper, following the club's first JLT Community Series hitout against St Kilda on Thursday night.

Powell, selected with pick No.18 in the 2016 National Draft, collected 12 disposals and four tackles in last night's game, and Hinkley believes his club has found another bull in the midfield in the same mold of star onballer, Ollie Wines.

"He's a junior Ollie," Hinkley said.

"It's unfair to put too much pressure on him but he has done everything right.

"I'm not saying Sam will play every game because it is a long challenging season, more so than ever for young players, but I will be staggered if he doesn't play some football this year."

RELATED: SAM POWELL-PEPPER DRAFT PROFILE

The Saints held off a fast finishing Power to win the match, recording a one-point win, 8.9 (57) to 7.14 (56).