Happy days for Mayes at Prospect

By ZAC MILBANK

Sam Mayes is entering an exciting phase of his life, illustrated by his enthusiasm to resume his footy career with his beloved North Adelaide in 2023.

Despite being delisted by AFL club Port Adelaide at the end of this season, the 28-year-old is embracing his next chapter with the Roosters as he prepares to welcome his second child into the world with partner Cass.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Mayes is itching to start at Prospect next week in his off-field role as a development coach for the club’s Under-16 and Under-18 players.

On the field, he is eagerly anticipating his addition to North’s incredibly deep midfield rotation as he looms as one of the competition’s star signings ahead of the 2023 Hostplus SANFL League campaign.

Boasting 121 AFL games of experience, Mayes will add to the 22 SANFL League matches he played for North in 2011 and 2012 before starting his elite journey with the Brisbane Lions in 2013.

Lining up alongside the likes of Magarey Medallists Campbell Combe and Aaron Young, together with Harrison Wigg, Andrew Moore and Will Combe, Mayes presents himself as another headache for opposition coaches next year.

Incredibly respectful of where it all began for him, Mayes is also looking forward to playing with 2022 Powerade Breakthrough Player Harrison Magor, who originates from the same Port Pirie based club, Ports Bulldogs.

As well as revel in his role as a development coach with North, Mayes is keen to continue developing an inclusive Auskick Centre in conjunction with Port Adelaide media manager and Goodwood Saints football director Daniel Norton.

The pair worked closely together in re-establishing an Inclusive Auskick Centre with the Saints this year, providing children with a disability with an opportunity to taste the game for the first time in a fun and safe environment.

Driven by his love for older brother Ben, who is living with a disability, Mayes indicated he and Norton are looking for opportunities to expand on the Inclusive Auskick Centre, potentially with the Roosters in 2023.

Until then, expect to see North’s prized recruit with plenty on his plate as he looks to juggle his new job, pre-season training and another addition to the family before Christmas.