PORT ADELAIDE recruit Sam Mayes has had Saturday’s JLT Community Series game against Adelaide pencilled into his calendar since it was announced.

Not because it will be his first game in Power colours or because it will be his first taste of Showdown action.

The game is being played in Mayes’ home town of Port Pirie and he will have a few special guests on hand to take it in.

“My Mum and Dad are in Adelaide now so I don’t think they’ll be there and my older brother is more interested in motor racing so he’ll be at the Superloop Adelaide 500,” Mayes said after checking out the redeveloped Memorial Oval, where the game will be played.

“But, both my grandmas will probably come out and have a look and a lot of school mates that I grew up going to school with will probably come out as well.

“I’m sure (both Grandmas) will be here, I just hope they’ll be in the shade otherwise they’ll be pretty hot.”

With a 40-degree forecast for game-time, Mayes said the team had accepted that there would be more rotations.

He said they were well prepared for the conditions, having trained in the heat throughout the summer.

Mayes played for the Ports football club in Port Pirie, making his A-Grade debut as a 14-year-old.

“I used to love playing on this ground. It’s changed a fair bit since the last time I played on it though, which was eleven years ago,” he said.

“It’s been done up, it looks pretty good and I’m looking forward to getting out there.

“I used to play on the wing and funnily enough I’m still playing in that position now.

“I guess you take little bits and pieces from coaches that you’ve had.”

Mayes said playing games in regional centres was a rare opportunity that players and supporters both enjoyed.

He said he can’t wait to take to the field, and hopefully inspire the next generation of AFL footballers.

“It was a pretty cool feeling when I saw that the game was going to be here in Pirie,” Mayes said.

“Never did I when I was younger watch the Crows of Port play here so it’s going to be pretty cool to have a crowd out, obviously in my home town, some little kids out watching their heroes play here.”

The game is officially a sell-out with all patrons requiring a Ticketek ticket for entry.

Gates open at midday with the game to start at 3:40pm.