IN A WEEK in which Jim Stynes was celebrated for his mighty contribution to, among other things, Australian football, two more Irishmen made their own contributions when they played their best game together for the Brisbane Lions.

Defender Niall McKeever and wingman Pearce Hanley were prime movers in the Lions' 41-point victory over Melbourne at the MCG.

The pair's verve and determination were at complete odds with their opponents, who were listless after half-time. The Lions kicked six consecutive goals in the third quarter to set up their impressive triumph.

McKeever, who is 196cm, played a tall defender's role on Jack Watts, Stefan Martin and Mitch Clark. He had a career-high 18 disposals and took seven marks.

The 23-year-old has an unlikely kicking style, in which he hunches over the ball with great deliberation. It's a technique that compensates for his limited background in the game.

At first his style was of great interest, even mirth, to the Melbourne crowd. By the end of the game the novelty had worn off, as McKeever delivered upfield with skill and accuracy.

Was it his best game?

"Yeah, I reckon," he said. "It's my third year now, my 11th game. I'm just feeling more comfortable."

Hanley, who is also 23, was a constant menace to Melbourne on his wing. The Lions backed a winner by attacking through him, especially when they were trying to break the Demons' forward press early in the match.

He had 23 disposals and took eight uncontested marks, indicating his willingness to run and link.

He also kicked two goals. His first was a booming set-shot from outside 50.

"Pearce is an absolute jet," McKeever said. "He's been a great influence on me."

McKeever is from a town outside Belfast, in County Antrim, while Hanley is from County Mayo in Ireland's far west.  Their accents are nothing alike, but both found Stynes to be an inspiration.

"He's the reason people like me are playing in the AFL," said McKeever, who was on a short break in Byron Bay when he found out about Stynes' death.

"I read it on Twitter. I was completely taken aback," he said.

"I didn't know him, I'd never met him, but he was a fighter … I think we all thought he was going to get through it in the end."

McKeever has a long way to go before he can hope to match Stynes' record of 264 games. For now it's just one step at a time.

"I think that was my third win. It's the best win so far," he said.

"The crowd at the end was fantastic."

Niall McKeever is a $200,800 defender in Toyota AFL Dream Team. Register your team here.