PORT ADELAIDE will unveil its seventh debutant of the 2022 AFL Premiership Season, with ruckman Sam Hayes named to face Carlton this Sunday at the MCG.

Hayes, 205cm and 102kg, will come into Port’s side to face the Blues after fellow big man Scott Lycett was ruled out having failed to overcome a dislocated shoulder suffered in Round 4 against Melbourne.

The 22-year-old has followed up a strong 2021 season in the SANFL, which saw him claim the A.R. McLean Medal as the Magpies best and fairest, with a solid pre-season, featuring in both the club’s practice match against the Suns on the Gold Coast and the AAMI Community Series win over Adelaide.

Selection
Final team named for Blues clash

Senior coach Ken Hinkley said Hayes’ selection was a justified inclusion and reward for several years of hard work at Alberton.

“Sam has patiently bided his time and worked extremely hard to earn this opportunity,” Hinkley said.

“They say big men take time to develop and Sam has certainly always put his best foot forward to ensure he would one day be in this position and be ready to play AFL football.

“He’s spent four years on the list honing his craft and shown great resilience in that time, including overcoming a significant knee injury early in his time at Alberton.

“Everyone at the club is extremely excited for Sam take get this opportunity and we have full faith in him to make the most of it.”

Port this afternoon trimmed its extended squad to a final 22 to take on the Blues, with Jed McEntee, Sam Mayes and Sam Skinner joining Lycett in falling out of the side.

Sunday’s game against the Blues will get underway at 1:40pm AEST / 1:10pm ACST and will only be shown live on Fox Footy or Kayo. The free to air broadcast on Channel 7 will be delayed into South Australia until 3:30pm.