AHEAD of Port Adelaide’s Best and Fairest count on Friday night, portadelaidefc.com.au takes a look at who is in contention for the John Cahill and A.R. McLean medals.
The A.R. McLean Medal is awarded to Port Adelaide's best and fairest player in the SANFL. After the completion of every game, Port Adelaide's SANFL coaches and SANFL Manager Shane Grimm cast their votes, rating each player's performance between 0-5, with a maximum of 20 and minimum of 20 votes per player per game awarded.
The same process is undertaken in the AFL, with the Power's best and fairest player receiving the John Cahill Medal.
A.R. McLean contender - Sam Mayes
Sam Mayes had an instant impact for the Magpies, since returning to South Australia in last year’s trade period.
Mayes averaged more than 23 disposals, five marks, five tackles and four clearances a game in 2019, while also kicking seven goals.
The Port Pirie product was one of Port’s standout players in the finals series - 21 touches and a goal in the qualifying final against Adelaide, 15 touches and a goal in just over a half in the second semi, and 24 touches in the grand final loss to Glenelg.
The former Lion provided plenty of run through the midfield and on the wing, and showed he could bob up in important moments with a goal.
A very consistent year from Mayes should see him poll well in the Magpies’ best and fairest.
Mayes’ standout performances:
Round 1 vs West Adelaide - 28 disposals, five marks
Round 2 vs South Adelaide - 30 disposals, eight marks, four tackles
Round 3 vs North Adelaide - 28 disposals, seven tackles, 10 clearances
Round 4 vs Norwood - 26 disposals, four marks, nine clearances
Round 5 vs Woodville-West Torrens - 24 disposals, eight marks
Round 8 vs Glenelg - 25 disposals, seven marks, nine tackles, four clearances
Round 11 vs North Adelaide - 25 disposals, five tackles
Round 12 vs West Adelaide - 27 disposals, seven marks, seven clearances
Round 13 vs Adelaide - 24 disposals, seven marks, six tackles
Round 14 vs Glenelg - 23 disposals, six marks, six tackles, five clearances
Round 16 vs Woodville-West Torrens - 22 disposals, seven marks, seven tackles, one goal
Round 17 vs Sturt - 22 disposals, 12 tackles, one goal
Qualifying Final vs Adelaide - 21 disposals, five marks, three goals
Grand Final vs Glenelg - 24 disposals, six tackles
