The inclusion of Luke Hodge and the emergence of Alex Witherden was probably the nail in the coffin of both Mayes fantasy relevance and spot in the Lions side. Back in 2017 he played 21 games and averaged 80 across the formats. While probably not salary cap relevant with those numbers, he was more than handy in draft leagues and even for some daily fantasy match ups. However, with both Luke and Alex playing most of the year he could only manage just the 6 games at AFL level and failed to crack above 70 in AFLFantasy during that time. 

A trade was certainly a good move for Sam and the Power land a native SA land in Sam Mayes, he’ll offer some good run and ball use, and be a player that can use the ball well by foot and link up play. The big question is, does he land inside the clubs best 22?

Personally I don’t believe so, as well as  his trade to the club they’ve also got the inclusion of Ryan Burton into the side who’s played plenty of time in the Hawks back 6 and Port Adelaide will also welcome back from long term injuries Matt Broadbent and Hamish Hartlett. Unless Ken Hinkley plays him as the Jared Polec replacement (which I believe is highly unlikely) then Sam’s likely to be a back up option only and as such fantasy irrelevant unless injuries strike Port hard.