NEW Port Adelaide recruit Sam Mayes says being closer to family in South Australia isn’t his sole reason for seeking a change, promising to work hard to regain his best football and force his way into the Power side.

Mayes landed at Alberton after a complicated three-way trade which saw Hawthorn’s Ryan Burton join him, the Power receive pick 5, and Chad Wingard move to Waverley.

Mayes left Adelaide as a teenager after being drafted at pick 8 by the Brisbane Lions in the 2012 AFL National Draft.

The Port Pirie product has played 101 games and kicked 26 goals since making his debut in 2013.

The 24-year-old only managed six games in 2018 but is eager to find form in a new environment.

“It’s a really exciting feeling but I’ve had some mixed emotions,” Mayes told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“I’ve been in Brisbane for six years now, I’ve made a lot of good friends and sort of become entrenched in the footy club.

“But I am really looking forward to a new challenge and a new change.

“My partner and I will move down to Adelaide soon, and I’m just looking forward to getting stuck into it and learning the game plan and all about Port Adelaide, and meeting all the guys there.”

At 189 centimetres tall and 88 kilograms, Mayes offers a versatile option in midfield, defence or up forward.

He grew up a Melbourne supporter and played 22 SANFL games for North Adelaide for 21 goals before he was drafted.

He was an under 18 All-Australian in 2011 and was South Australian vice-captain at the 2012 under 18 championships.

A rising star nomination in 2013, he also won Brisbane’s 2013 Rookie of the Year award.

In a turn of fate, current Port Adelaide assistant coach Michael Voss was senior coach at Brisbane when Mayes was drafted by the Lions.

As well as Voss, Mayes is familiar with Tom Rockliff who captained him at the Lions before moving to the Power at the end of 2017, and he knows Ollie Wines well, having come through the AFL system at the same time.

And, he said he always looked up to Travis Boak and Brad Ebert because of their professionalism.

As for coming home to South Australia, he’s made his family very happy.

“My parents are both happy for me and they always back the decisions I make so I’m sure they’re very excited that one of their four kids is coming home, after being away for six years,” Mayes said.

“The old man loves footy so he might pop down to training a bit!

“It’ll be great to be back closer to family but it isn’t the sole purpose for coming to Port Adelaide.

“I think change is going to be good and I can see myself fitting into the Port side and while there’s obviously a lot of hard work to be done, I’m really looking forward to it.”

More on portadelaidefc.com.au...