Itβs hard to believe that Sam Mayes, Marco Paparone and Michael Close arrived in Brisbane ready to begin their AFL journey just 10 weeks ago.
Since that time, theyβve experienced their first AFL pre-season training, enjoyed a short visit back home over Christmas, bonded together at Maleny, completed the AFLPA induction process in Melbourne, moved into a new home, and blitzed the Clubβs 2km time trials.
But more importantly, the draftees are beginning to feel more comfortable in their new environment with each passing week.
Mayes β who, according to Captain Jonathan Brown, was one of the standouts in the Clubβs recent 16-a-side scratch match at Coorparoo β told lions.com.au that those initial nerves from his first few weeks have been well and truly settled.
βThe first couple of weeks were pretty daunting,β Mayes said.
βYou didnβt really know who anyone was β I mean you knew who they were, but personally didnβt know them.β
βBut now that weβve been around the Club for a while, you start to really bond and try and speak to people as much as possible. Everyoneβs very welcoming.β
Mayes said the transition was made even easier after the Club drafted his βgood mateβ Jordon Bourke in Decemberβs Rookie Draft.
βBourkey went through the AIS with me, so it was great to see him drafted to the Lions as well,β Mayes revealed.
βItβs good to have him up there β we were pretty much best mates through the AIS and used to room together.β
Recruits find their roar
Sam Mayes says he's feeling more comfortable in his new environment