First-year draftee Wil Powell is proving all his doubters wrong in 2018 after backing up his debut game with an impressive display on the road against North Melbourne last weekend. 

Powell collected 15 disposals playing in the forward line against North, with eight of those being contested.

It’s a credit to how far he’s come with his development this year after being plucked as a skinny teenager from Colts football less than 12 months ago to join the SUNS.

“I don’t reckon I would have survived coming in at 68kg and running around with blokes 20, 30 kilos heavier than me,” Powell told SUNS TV. 

“Coming from Colts footy to NEAFL footy is ten times faster, then seniors to AFL seniors is another ten so it’s real quick.”

Powell now weighs in at 76kg after working hard with strength and conditioning staff to get his body up to AFL standard.

He’s been in the AFL system for just nine months, but has already outlined his plans for the rest of the season and heading into his first full pre-season.

“I reckon having a full year this year in the system has its challenges,” he said.

“But next year I reckon having another full year and just knowing what to do, where to be and just getting used to your teammates for a year, playing round one and keeping your spot from round one to round 23 will be awesome.”

The 18-year-old has ticked off one of his 2018 goals by making his debut and now wants to go one better by earning his first win in a senior SUNS guernsey on Saturday against Essendon.

“There’s a lot of trust within the group and a lot of confidence that we can get the job done this week,” Powell said.

“Like Stuey said, it’s about time we snap that losing streak, show the fans what they come to see and hopefully get a W.”