Sam Mayes will become the 149^th player to represent the merged Brisbane Lions after being called-up to make his senior AFL debut at this Saturday night’s all-important QClash against the Gold Coast Suns.

Mayes, who was taken with the Lions’ first round selection (Pick No.8 overall) at last year’s AFL National Draft, has earned his place in the senior side after impressing with the Lions Reserves in recent weeks.

“Sam was a bit restricted in the first game (after coming back from a minor groin complaint), but he has shown a lot of composure and you can already tell that he will be a quality AFL player,” Reserves Coach Leigh Harding told lions.com.au recently.

Despite being recruited as a half-forward from North Adelaide, Mayes has spent the majority of his time in the NEAFL playing through the midfield – a role the Club expects he will eventually develop into at AFL level.

“He will probably learn his footy up forward, but we expect him to eventually go into the midfield,” National Talent Manager Rob Kerr said post-Draft.

“He's a very clever player, spreads well, reads the game very well.”

Mayes’ inclusion means he is also set to continue the proud legacy left by some of the Club’s all-time greats who the #32 guernsey.

Heading the list is three-time Premiership Player and 2001 Norm Smith Medallist Shaun Hart, who famously wore the #32 jumper in 273 matches – including three victorious Grand Finals.

Then there’s Clen Denning, who kicked six goals from his first six kicks at VFL level with Carlton in 1935 before transferring to Fitzroy where he played 159 games in 10 seasons.

Denning led Fitzroy’s goal-kicking in 1939 before settling into the back pocket, and played in the Club’s 1944 Premiership team.

Russell Crow (158 games), Jason Baldwin (125) and Cheynee Stiller (100) are also immortalised on the #32 locker at the Gabba.

Coincidentally, Stiller – who was the last Lions player to wear the #32 guernsey – also played his first official AFL match in Round 3 of his debut season (in 2006).

Lions fans will no doubt be eagerly anticipating their first glimpse of Mayes in the senior team this Saturday night against the Suns.

Mayes by the numbers

12,159th
player to appear in VFL/AFL history

1,398th
player to represent the Club (Fitzroy and Bears included)

149th
player to represent the merged Brisbane Lions since 1997

35th
player in the Club’s combined history to wear the #32 in a senior match

Player to have worn the #32 guernsey in a senior match for the Club