Port Adelaide forward Sam Powell-Pepper has landed himself in hot water after being involved in a heavy collision with Mark Keane in the club's practice match with the Adelaide Crows.

Powell-Pepper, who was recently elevated to the Power's leadership group this season, made contact with Keane via his shoulder despite having the opportunity to make a clean tackle.

Ignoring tackle regulations, the hit saw Keane dazed and needed immediate assistance from the Crows' medical staff before being helped from the field and eventually ruled out for the remainder of the match.

While there is yet to be confirmation on how many weeks Powell-Pepper will be looking at, former AFL journalist Mark Stevens believes he will miss the first three rounds at a minimum.

It is understood that the Match Review Officer (MRO) will decide on the severity of the incident on the following terms - grading of the conduct and impact. However, it is unlikely that he won't at least be suspended for one match.

"We know the way Pep plays, he's hard and tough, but I can't comment on the actual contest," Port assistant coach Chad Cornes said via WWOS.

The hit on Keane will now see the Crow be placed on AFL's mandatory 12-day protocols due to the severity of the incident and his concussion.

"Honestly, I haven't seen him or checked with the doctors so I can't really answer that," Adelaide assistant Scott Burns said.