Powell is from Scarborough, Western Australia, and played Colts football for the Claremont Tigers in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). He averaged 14 disposals and kicked eight goals from 18 games and was invited to test at the Western Australian State Combine. Powell was selected by the Suns with pick 19 in the 2017 national draft, their first selection. He was described as a "shock pick" and a "bolter"; Claremont had earlier posted a list of possible draftees from the club on Twitter, but Powell was not included.[3]
In May 2018, Powell extended his contract with the Suns to 2021.[4] His 2022 season ended early with a compound fracture to his ankle.[citation needed]
Homophobic slurs
In 2024, the AFL reported that he would be banned for five matches after he made a homophobic slur. It was the third instance in 2024 of a homophobic slur being said by an AFL player or coach.[5] After the slur was made, it was made public that Powell had previously made numerous homophobic posts on social media.[6] Melbourne captain Max Gawn said it was "embarrassing" for Powell to call himself an AFL player in light of the controversy.[7] AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said, "It is extremely disappointing to be dealing with a similar incident in only a matter of weeks."[8]
^The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
