Lions’ midfield riches release Mayes forward

Lion Sam Mayes to return to the forward line. Picture: Chris McCormack Source: News Corp Australia

THE return of leading Lion Daniel Rich has Brisbane's Sam Mayes poised to return to the position where he first launched his AFL career.

The 20-year-old's versatility and an injury list including Rich saw Mayes move from half forward to the backline during the 2014 season.

The rising talent had some success in his role but didn't have the same impact he made during his debut season in 2013 where he won the club's Rookie of the Year award.

Mayes has been training with the forwards so far during the preseason and said the prospect of returning to his preferred role was driving him in the lead up to 2015.

"I want to keep improving every year," Mayes said.

"Last year was a bit different because I was playing down the back and I had never really experienced that before so it added a few strings to my bow.

"I'm naturally a fairly offensive player and like to find a bit of space so I just want to keep developing the contested part of my game.

"I have been training at forward which is good but it will depend on where (coach Justin Leppitsch) Leppa wants me to play."

Mayes said a focus on improving his tackling will help him take his game to another level.

"I have been doing a fair bit of work on my tackling so if I can lift that up, especially playing down forward because it's a pretty important part of the role, and keep working on the other parts of my game it will be good," he said.

A regular starting berth at half forward won't come easy for Mayes who will need to compete with the likes of Josh Green and Lewis Taylor for the gig.

"There is a good crop of young forwards here so it's pretty exciting and hopefully in the next couple of years we can do some damage," Mayes said.

Midfielder Dayne Zorko also faces a tough challenge to keep his position with the likes of Allen Christensen, Mitch Robinson and new Collingwood recruit Dayne Beams among those vying for the position.

"There are 18 spots up for grabs in our team and it is really driving the boys to keep improving," Zorko said.

"It's handy for the coaching staff to have so many options for the seniors this year.

"The ball is in our court so if we want it we have to earn it."

Originally published as Lions' midfield riches release Mayes forward

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