Sam Mayes might hail from South Australia, but the talented 20-year-old is proud to call Brisbane his new ‘home’.

Mayes has settled so well into his new surrounds over the past 20 months that he even signed a two-year contract extension at the beginning of the season, effectively keeping him at the Club until at least the end of 2016.

Touted as a potential future Captain, he is passionate about the Lions and will be determined to fly the flag for his adopted home city when civil war breaks out at the Gabba this Saturday night.

The Lions cross-town rivals, the Gold Coast Suns, have dominated the AFL scene in Queensland this season, largely due to a breakout season that has them firmly in line for a maiden Finals appearance.

And while much has been said about the Suns’ exciting crop of young players, Mayes says the Lions are just as well positioned.

He says it bodes well for the future QClashes.

“You hear a lot of talk about the youth of the Gold Coast and how strong their young players are like (Jaeger) O’Meara and (Dion) Prestia and the like,” Mayes told The Courier Mail.

“But we have got a fairly good bunch of young players as well.

“It will create good games of footy in the future because both sides have strong youth in their lists. It should be a strong rivalry for years to come.

Mayes will headline a raft of young talent in the Lions’ team this Saturday night, along with James Aish (18), Lewy Taylor (19), Jack Crisp (20), Darcy Gardiner (18), Daniel McStay (19), Michael Close (19), Ryan Lester (21), and Justin Clarke (20) – all of whom are 21 or under.

“It will be a good contest this week, that’s for sure,” Mayes said.

“It’s an important one. They are trying to play finals and it (spoiling the Gold Coast’s finals run) is a motivation for us.”