Lions won't have to wait on Mayes

Brisbane Lions players Michael Close, Sam Mayes and Marco Paparone enjoy their first day on the job. Picture: Liam Kidston Source: Herald Sun

LIONS insiders will not be surprised if their No.8 draft pick Sam Mayes makes his AFL debut for Brisbane in Round 1 and makes a genuine impact at the top level.

Mayes, a 187cm and 78kg South Australian, looks every bit an 18-year-old fresh out of school and hoping to make it in the big time.

But Lions senior assistant coach Mark Harvey is confident the forward from Port Pirie will be able to mix it with the big boys sooner rather than later.

"He's not going to be found wanting," Harvey said of Mayes, who has been handed the No.32 jumper once worn by Lions triple premiership player and Norm Smith Medallist Shaun Hart.

"We will learn a lot more about him in the coming months, but he's got a good temperament.

"I always love the country kids, they love to express themselves on the football field.

"He's played two seasons of senior footy in South Australia (with North Adelaide in the SANFL) so he knows what it is all about.

"He's also had some really good coaches like Josh Francou (former Port Adelaide star) and Daniel Healy (former St Kilda player and Central Districts premiership-winning captain).

"I know that Francou has spent a lot of time with him and Sam would have learned a lot from someone like Josh."

Harvey said the Lions were looking at playing Mayes on the half-forward flank, on a wing or even in the midfield.

An elite-level runner with a thumping boot, he has both the motor and the skills to fill those roles.

Harvey said he expected Mayes and fellow draftees Marco Paparone and Michael Close to push for senior selection and join the core of young cubs that form the club's "generation next".

Brisbane's draftees and the touring party that went to Arizona will train together for the first time today when the full Lions squad comes together to continue its pre-season campaign.

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