NEW Port Adelaide recruit was interviewed on Adelaide radio station FIVEaa on Wednesday after his trade from Brisbane was confirmed.

Mayes is born and raised in Port Pirie and played for North Adelaide in the SANFL before being taken by the Lions in the 2012 AFL National Draft.

Here he discusses returning home, what excites him about playing for Port Adelaide and where he sees himself playing in 2019.

 

Sam Mayes on how his move came about:

“I sat down with Fages (Lions coach Chris Fagan) during the year and he sort of just said if you want to go explore your options you can. We kept pretty civil about it the whole time and it’s good to be coming back to my home state to be playing some footy. I’m looking forward to it.”

Sam Mayes on being overlooked by Port Adelaide with pick 7 in the 2012 Draft in favour of Ollie Wines and instead being taken with pick 8 by Brisbane:

“I did end up getting drafted the pick after Port Adelaide but six years later and I’m now at the club and pretty excited about it.”

Sam Mayes on forcing his way into the Port Adelaide side after a disappointing 2018:

“I have great confidence that I can get back to playing my best footy and that my best footy is good enough so I’m looking forward to working hard over this offseason and in pre-season and putting my best foot forward.”

Sam Mayes on discussions with the club regarding his best position:

“I think there’ll probably be a few more (discussions to be had) but I think on the wing or half forward but obviously having played half back the last couple of years I have the ability to go there if need be.”

Sam Mayes on what excites him about playing for Port Adelaide:

“They are a very good side, playing against them previously they’re been very hard to beat. They have some very good players and leaders in Ollie Wines, Travis Boak, Brad Ebert, those sorts of guys and then their youth is very very talented as well, like your Riley Bonners and those sorts of players. Obviously playing in front of big crowds is pretty exciting to me because in Brisbane we struggled to get to the 20,000. And playing in front of my family in my home state is pretty big for me so I’m looking forward to that.”

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