PORT Adelaide recruit Sam Mayes has his sights set on securing the vacant wing spot created by Jared Polec's departure to North Melbourne.
Mayes shared his time between the wing and as an inside midfielder during Friday morning's match simulation drills at the Power's training session at Alberton Oval.
CLUB LISTS COMPARED Oldest? Youngest? Most experienced?
The 24-year-old joined the Power during last year's NAB AFL Trade Period in search of more opportunities after six seasons and 101 games with Brisbane.
Mayes managed only six senior appearances for the Lions last season and was keen to return to his home state of South Australia to help reignite his career.
FUTURE PICKS Who you should barrack against in 2019
While he's played the past few years across half-back and can also play as a half-forward, the 189cm Mayes nominated the wing as his preferred role, especially when it was confirmed late last season that Polec was leaving the Power.
"The talk about Polec leaving and opening up that wing spot caught my eye a little bit," Mayes said.
"I can see myself filling that position, so that's what I'm going to try and do.
"I think naturally my best position is wing/half forward.
"I have developed over the last few years as a half-back, so I think it's something I can add to the side this season is a bit of versatility.
"I'll try and nail a spot down on the wing, but if (coach Ken Hinkley) needs me to play any position, I'm happy to do that." - Sam Mayes
The Power's backline appears settled, especially with the addition of Hawthorn defender Ryan Burton, while they also have plenty of options in attack.
But the race for the wing role is open, with Mayes, utility Jack Watts, speedster Karl Amon and talented teenager Connor Rozee – the No.5 pick at last year's NAB AFL Draft – among those in the running.
WHO MAKES FINALS? Do the 2019 Ladder Predictor
Mayes, the No.8 pick in the 2012 draft, said he won't change much about how he goes about his game.
"I'll play to my strengths, first and foremost," he said.
"Use my foot skills well, then work on contest, tackling, those sorts of things, which has been a really high aspect of our training, the competitive pressure.
"I'll be continuing to work on that while playing to my strengths."
Mayes has been impressed with former skipper Travis Boak, inside bull Sam Powell-Pepper and experienced midfielder Brad Ebert during his time with the Power.
Youngster Zak Butters – the 12th pick at last year's draft – has also caught his eye.
"He's a pretty competitive young fella," Mayes said.
"He's got the pink hat on at the moment (non-contact during drills) because he's been injured, but he has a crack, puts his head in the wrong spots some times, but he's going to be an exciting player as well as some of the other draftees, like Xavier Duursma, Connor Rozee, those sort of blokes."
The Power will have an intraclub game on February 15 before they take on Adelaide in the JLT Community Series on March 2 in Port Pirie.
