PORT ADELAIDE has farewelled defender Sam Skinner and midfielders Sam Mayes and Taj Schofield after they were informed their contracts would not be renewed for 2023.
Mayes came to Port Adelaide in the 2018 trade period after 101 games with the Brisbane Lions.
Originally the eighth pick in the 2012 AFL National Draft from North Adelaide, the Port Pirie product was one of the stories of the 2020 season when he finally made his Port Adelaide debut after 757 days between games.
The hard-working midfielder won the Fos Williams Memorial Trophy as the most dedicated player in the club’s SANFL program in his first year at Alberton and the 28-year-old continued to be a leader in that side right up until Saturday’s win over the Crows. Mayes played 20 AFL games for Port Adelaide in total.
Schofield, 19, arrived as a father-son selection in the 2020 rookie draft and was a solid contributor in the SANFL this season.
The son of 2004 premiership player Jarrad Schofield departs having represented the club in the SANFL 27 times in two seasons, kicking 10 goals.
Skinner was originally claimed by Brisbane in the 2015 AFL National Draft but managed just three AFL games across four injury-plagued seasons.
After moving to South Adelaide in the SANFL in 2021, the 25-year-old was picked up as a delisted free agent by Port Adelaide ahead of the 2022 campaign, and he played two AFL games in the Power colours this season.
He also featured in 15 games for the Magpies in the SANFL this year.
Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps thanked Mayes, Schofield and Skinner for their service.
“It is always a difficult time when we have to farewell players from our list, especially people of the character of Sam, Taj and Sam,” Cripps said.
“Mayesy has always done the team thing, playing across all three lines as needed, and has been a really positive influence on some of our younger players as a leader in our SANFL program.
“Taj played some strong footy earlier this season but like Sam (Skinner), opportunities to play in the AFL side were limited.
“We thank all three boys for their dedication to our club and wish them every success going forward.”
Midfielder Karl Amon has also informed the club of his desire to explore free agency.
In nine years at Alberton, the 2013 draftee has played 127 games and booted 55 goals.
“Karl has been an outstanding clubman in his time with us and he should be commended for his professionalism and maturity this season in particular,” Cripps said.
“The club and Karl remained in continual discussion around his future throughout the season, yet his dedication to his preparation and application on game day never wavered.
“We wish him well in the next stage of his career.”
As Amon is an unrestricted free agent, Port Adelaide is unable to match any offer for him and the 27-year-old can move to the club of his choice.
