Season by Season 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 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 Background Born in Melbourne, Keays moved to Brisbane at five years of age and attended St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace throughout his schooling years. Ben began playing junior football for the Morningside Panthers and was placed in the Brisbane Lions talent academy at the age of 14. He was selected to represent Queensland in the 2014 and 2015 AFL Under 18 Championships and was selected in the 2014 and 2015 All-Australian teams. He also captained Queensland to their first division 2 title in nine years at the 2015 AFL Under 18 Championships and won the 2015 Hunter Harrison Medal for his performances across the three games.Season by Season The hard-working forward/midfielder impressed with his debut season for the Brisbane Lions - playing 16 matches for 2016, averaging 11 disposals and 8 handballs. The 19-year-old kicked his first career goal against the Sydney Swans in Round 6 and went on to score another 3 goals for the season. Leading into his second pre-season at the Brisbane Lions, Keays has set the bar high for 2017.Introduction Ben Keays was taken at Pick No. 24 in the 2015 National AFL Draft. A prolific ball-magnet with a terrific work rate, Keays was developed through the Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy and has demonstrated a capacity to push forward into the forward line and kick goals. He made his debut in Round 6, 2016, and went on to play 16 Senior matches in his first season, averaging just over 11 disposals per game. At A Glance Junior Clubs: Morningside Debut: Round 6, 2016 Recruited from: Lions Academy Brownlow Votes: -Season by Season • Keays played 10 Senior matches and 12 NEAFL matches in 2017. • Averaged 15 disposals per game and kicked six goals in the Seniors. • Was named best on ground against the Sydney Swans in the NEAFL grand final after collecting a game-high 30 disposals and kicking two goals.
