Lachlan Keefe

[MarkT2]

I do want him to play the Leigh Brown role but I don't know.

I really don't know why so many people want a player to play a role that in reality amounted to a poor quality ruck option and a spasmodic tall forward. Brown had some good games as a forward - particularly late in 2010 but over a long career there were nowhere near enough of them. He was never a decent ruckman and we always lost a lot when he relieved Jolly.

At this point I'd rather a good second ruckman who we use more as a ruckman than we did Brown and then use Jolly more as a forward than we have previously. I'd rather see Wood as the second ruckman with Jolly resting as much deep forward as on the bench. Dawes can play be the strong chasing tall forward while Jolly plays the more stay at home target. If Wood develops then we have our succession. If not we know we need to keep looking. It's a make or break year for Wood but he has to be given the chance.

Keefe needs more time and should get it in the VFL side with the odd game to keep him keen as much as anything.

 

[Pera]

Liking his game at the moment. Vast improvement from the first two weeks.

 

[Markfs]

I'm sure he's not unco!

It more looks he's still learning awareness and quick decisive decision making to me, he looks in two minds too often.

That's just the perception I get watching him, so might be completely wrong of course

I think it's this that perhaps makes him look slow at times, because he definitely isn't slow when sprinting, he's quick.

Sure he'll be OK and potentially very OK

I agree. He lacks confidence. It makes you look like you're not trying. Dont all you boys remember when you were running around trying so hard and not getting near the ball? Confidence.....the question is whether he'll ever feel like he is a REAL AFL player..

btw its interesting to compare him to Leroy. Is that when Leroy was getting the shit kicked out of him in this forum?

 

[TheGreatGrundy]

Ceglar seems more suited to the second ruck spot than Keefe, but neither player is ready to play AFL football. I only saw the first half of the Adelaide game and thought Keefe looked OK in the first half in the back line.

 

[Kirby]

Yeah I thought he was ok and improved quite a bit.

 

[mattys123]

It seems we may have found Lachie's "niche" on the weekend, the good old resting ruckman. At times he played on Tippett and Jacobs, and did a better job then he did on more mobile forwards against Melbourne the week before.

And with most sides more willing to play 2 rucks this year after the over reaction to the 3 and 1 sub rule that saw the second ruck almost banished last year, Keefe may well have a role to play this year, especially if one of our big 3 defenders can't play.

He's obviously the number 4 tall defender at the moment, I hate it when we try Maxwell and O'Brien as that replacement defender, it rarely comes off, so if we were to lose 1-2 of those tall defenders (Taz, Brown, Reid) then Lachie would be next to go.

I said this the other day, and I'll say it again, Keefe will not play his best football until he's at least 24-25, he's going to mature more like a ruckman, just because of his physical size and body shape, and if we've given Cam Wood (and the likes of Guy Richards) several years to develop without little in return, I can't see why Lachie won't still be at this club in 2014 and onwards.

I'm critical of him at times because I see what he can become, but I think we all just need to be patient.

 

[rand corp]

My issue with the lad Keefe is that for a player of his size he just does not seem to be able to impose himself on a physical contest in the air and is beaten too easily on the lead.

 

[Ed D]

My issue with the lad Keefe is that for a player of his size he just does not seem to be able to impose himself on a physical contest in the air and is beaten too easily on the lead.

I wonder how much of that is due to confidence. He looks like he's beating himself up over mistakes during games which to me tells me he's still learning, but also that's he's perhaps over thinking and not comfortable playing his position just yet. He almost just needs to say "screw this" and play how he wants to, make a few mistakes and then analyse it after the game.

 

[DermiesLuvChild]

I really don't know why so many people want a player to play a role that in reality amounted to a poor quality ruck option and a spasmodic tall forward. Brown had some good games as a forward - particularly late in 2010 but over a long career there were nowhere near enough of them. He was never a decent ruckman and we always lost a lot when he relieved Jolly.

At this point I'd rather a good second ruckman who we use more as a ruckman than we did Brown and then use Jolly more as a forward than we have previously. I'd rather see Wood as the second ruckman with Jolly resting as much deep forward as on the bench. Dawes can play be the strong chasing tall forward while Jolly plays the more stay at home target. If Wood develops then we have our succession. If not we know we need to keep looking. It's a make or break year for Wood but he has to be given the chance.

Keefe needs more time and should get it in the VFL side with the odd game to keep him keen as much as anything.

Agree 100% with post.
Wood is the best option. This year is pivotal for him, he either grabs the opportunity or he watches others go past him.
Leigh Brown had a huge heart, loads of aggression, could take the occasional grab & goal......however we do not need to find a direct replacement.......we need another true ruck option & resting marking/goal kicking big forward option......as you described.
I am sure that the 'Leroy' role does not exist in CFC coaching vocab.
Keeffe will be groomed as a tall defender option (& pinch hit in the ruck down back). Will not get a lot of game time this year, unless injuries/suspension reduces our tall stocks.

 

[SteeleBeams]

Keefe will come good, eventually. You need to give him time to develop in order to be an AFL 'ready' player. I think at this point in time his core strength needs a little work and his strength as a whole. I think it is just a matter of time before you see him being a consistent player who plays his role.

 

[daics cousin]

I really hope that Keefe does make it,but for a guy who is 204 cm.he gets pushed off the ball too easy.

I have a few collingwood mates that are ardamant that he won't make it.

Maybe the guy needs to be settled into a position and let him get some confidence.If he can be settled into a backline position or a forward possie then let the guy develop.He will only play seniors this year if we get injuries,so settle him into a forward or backline role and leave the bloke there to develop this year in the VFL.From watching him he lacks confidence and he cannot read the play too well.

 

[Nicco_jj]

I really hope that Keefe does make it,but for a guy who is 204 cm.he gets pushed off the ball too easy.

I have a few collingwood mates that are ardamant that he won't make it.

Maybe the guy needs to be settled into a position and let him get some confidence.If he can be settled into a backline position or a forward possie then let the guy develop.He will only play seniors this year if we get injuries,so settle him into a forward or backline role and leave the bloke there to develop this year in the VFL.From watching him he lacks confidence and he cannot read the play too well.

He just looks unco.

I would prefer to but the game time in to Hartley ( who looks like the next Ben Reid) rather than this guy unfortunately.