Sam Mayes might have only played three senior AFL games, but he seems to have already established himself as an important part of the Lions’ team.

One of the features of Mayes’ game so far has been his ability to find space and dispose of the ball effectively by both hand and foot.

His impressive work rate has him ranked first at the Club in average marks (eight per game), fourth in disposals (22.3 per game), fifth in inside 50s (four per game) and seventh in overall disposal efficiency (79.1%).

The South Australian teenager, however, probably won’t get the same room to work in this Sunday when the Lions face reigning Premiers Sydney at the SCG.

The Swans have built a reputation on their contested one-on-one style of play, while the SCG is recognised as one of the smallest fields in the AFL.

But Mayes is prepared for what will be arguably the toughest match of his young AFL career.

“Obviously I’ll have to adjust a little bit, but I think I’m very capable of playing some contested footy. I don’t think that’s going to hold me back,” Mayes said.

“Obviously it’s a very exciting challenge for our group. We’ll go down to Sydney and give it our best shot.”

“It’s going to be very contested…but I think we’ve got a real chance.”

Mayes admitted to being stunned by the pace of senior football during his first match against Gold Coast in Round 3.

“Early in my debut game, I just tried to find the pace of the game,” he said.

“It’s just a matter of working really hard, and running hard and finding space – particularly with the wing role that I play.”