Delisted Ben Keays (2015-2019)

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Young gun Keays caps off busy season with Andrew Ireland Medal in Grand Final triumph

Inspirational Brisbane midfielder Ben Keays capped off his season with dominant performance earning the young gun the Andrew Ireland Medal for best-on-ground in the NEAFL Grand Final on Saturday night at the SCG.

After being selected with pick 24 in the 2015 National Draft, Keays had to prove his worth among the talented pool of midfielders before making his debut, coincidentally against the Sydney Swans in Round 6 of 2016.

Last night he faced them on a different stage, under the lights of the SCG where his side not only stole the win by three points, but was awarded with a personal accolade commending his outstanding performance with a game-high 30 disposals and two goals.

The 20-year old from Morningside and Brisbane was humbled by the honour, but credited his teammates effort rather than soaking up any individual glory. “It’s a good little achievement. I’m proud of it, but more proud of the group,” he said.

While Keays has floated between the AFL and NEAFL this season, Keays knew how important it would be to play a prolific role in the midfield in the NEAFL this season, especially after the wooden spoon season the senior side has had. “It’s tough going up and down, and obviously you want to be playing AFL every week, and sometimes you just can’t do that,” he said. “To come back and be in this group and the environment that the coaches and staff create makes it a lot easier – it meant as much to me as playing in the AFL.

“I knew I had a role and I knew I needed to work hard in the midfield but it just kind of came naturally.” “It’s not something you set yourself up to do (winning the medal), but I know I’m one of the key midfielders in the NEAFL team, so it was just about working as hard as I could and outworking my opponent and I did that.”

The smile couldn’t be wiped off the face of the Lions Academy graduate, and he not only commended the exceptional efforts of his team but also the contribution of the current academy players.

“They were outstanding and we thanked them during the week on their contribution. Connor Ballenden was fantastic as a big tall forward… Jack Payne down back was fantastic, Campbell Walker was fantastic. Well done to them,” Keays said.

Having achieved so much during his second year Keays is looking forward to some time off but is excited for what 2018 will bring, hoping that the NEAFL side will be have another strong season with many of his teammates sticking around.

 

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NEAFL Post-Match: Ben Keays

 

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Young midfielder Ben Keays took out best-on-ground honours in the Lions' thrilling three-point NEAFL Grand Final win, finishing with a game-high 30 disposals, nine tackles and two goals.

The 20-year-old was awarded the Andrew Ireland Medal for his best-afield display.

 

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Player Reviews

#1. Ben Keays

Young midfielder/forward Ben Keays enjoyed a solid season in 2017, splitting his time between the Brisbane Lions’ Senior and NEAFL sides.

Round 6 was Keays’ best performance of the year, when he collected 25 disposals against a rampant Port Adelaide outfit. Keays went on to average 15 disposals per game in the Seniors.

Keays finished the season as an integral member of the Lions' premiership winning NEAFL side and was named best on ground in the grand final against the Sydney Swans after collecting a game-high 30 disposals and kicking two goals.

The Lions academy graduate re-signed with the Lions midway through the year, keeping him at the Club until the end of 2019.

Senior matches: 10, NEAFL matches: 12

 

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Neville Fallon Brisbane Lions Reserves Best and Fairest

For the first time in Brisbane Lions history, the 2018 Neville Fallon Reserves Best and Fairest Award has been spilt in a four-way tie.

Ryan Bastinac, Claye Beams, Ben Keays and Corey Lyons have tied for the award at the Lions' Club Champion awards night. All four players have made an outstanding contribution to the NEAFL team this season, particularly during the second-half of the year.

The second recipient of the Reserves Best and Fairest is Keays, whose strong form in his NEAFL games this season saw him called-up to play Seniors on two occasions. A prolific ball-magnet with a terrific work rate, Keays averaged 27 disposals per game and kicked 14 goals this season.

Congratulations to the four recipients of the Neville Fallon Reserves Best and Fairest.

 

[bato]

Neville Fallon Brisbane Lions Reserves Best and Fairest

The question is whether he stays on? Probably end up paying him out if we recruit/trade in a couple of extra mids.

 

[BlackGun1]

The question is whether he stays on? Probably end up paying him out if we recruit/trade in a couple of extra mids.

Why would you pay out a 21 year old? This isn't the NBA.

He will be there next year, and while it looks more and more likely he will never be a top-liner, he can still provide valuable depth and culture that doesn't exist if you just cut every player that doesn't project to be an A-grader.

 

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Brisbane midfielder Ben Keays is believed to have an interest in heading to the Suns for further opportunities after playing just two games for the Lions this year.

Keays, 21, is a Queenslander and joined Brisbane in 2015 as a product of the Lions Academy, but is unlikely to be a priority for the Suns during the exchange period.

 

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Player Reviews

#1 - Ben Keays
Ben Keays was outstanding in the NEAFL in his third year at the Lions, but couldn't quite take the next step up to cracking a consistent starting spot in the Senior side.

The young midfielder/forward played two Senior matches, with his 17 disposal and one goal performance against North Melbourne in Round 11 a highlight. Unfortunately, a quieter effort the next week against Essendon saw him moved back to the NEAFL for the remainder of the season.

At the NEAFL level, Keays dominated, being named in the best players on eight occasions in his 16 matches.

A highlight of Keays' game in 2018 was his defensive pressure, which saw him average just over five tackles a game. He also averaged 27 disposals per game and kicked 14 goals for the season.

At the Lions' 2018 Club Champion, Keays was rewarded for his great year by winning the Neville Fallon Reserves Best and Fairest Award in a four-way tie with Corey Lyons, Ryan Bastinac and Claye Beams.

Senior matches: 2, NEAFL matches: 16

 

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A club-by-club guide to the 2018 AFL Trade period

More realistic is that the Lions will move on Ben Keays and Sam Mayes this season and likely not get much in return. Keays has been linked to Gold Coast.

 

[Zhesty]

Will be barracking for this guy in 2019. Odds are against him but seems like such a great kid.

Has deficiencies but still got those quick hands in tight and a big tank.

 

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