Jessy Keeffe’s patience and persistence has been rewarded with AFLW Coach Craig Starcevich naming her as one of two debutants set to play for the Lions AFLW side this Saturday night. Wilston Grange junior Jacqui Yorston will also pull on a Lions jumper for the first time.
Keeffe has waited nearly two years for her AFLW shot. She came to the Club in 2017 as the Lions’ eight pick (48th overall) in the draft.
The 22-year-old alternates between the ruck position and forward line.
Starcevich said Keeffe’s attitude and thirst for knowledge is what has impressed him most.
“She waited eight games last year without getting a callup and another three games this year,” he told lions.com.au.
“Jessy’s got a great training ethic and a very bubbly personality around the group, as well as a great willingness to learn.
“She’s a competitor and runs really hard.
“She will work really hard to get to all the contests she needs to.”
For Keeffe, there is a sense of relief that the hard work has paid off.
“I was hoping that after all the hard yards it would eventually come,” she said.
“For me, I guess, it was a matter of chipping away at it and keeping a positive attitude.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”
Yorston was selected with the Lions’ 71st pick at the 2018 NAB AFL Draft. The 18-year-old has represented Queensland and is a Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy graduate.
She is often found in the midfield and starred for the Lions last year in their Winter Series campaign.
“Jacqui is a really strong competitor and has been knocking the door down at training demanding an opportunity,” Starcevich said.
Yorston said she was not expecting to be named.
“I’m so stoked,” she said.
“I’m excited that I’ve got the opportunity. I
feel like I’ve worked hard to be here.
“I can’t wait to get around the girls and go as hard as I can against the Bulldogs.”
In other team news Arianna Clarke returns from suspension and tough midfielder Megan Hunt will play her first AFLW game in 2019.
“Megan has also had to wait for her opportunity this year,” Starcevich said.
“She’s has been a really positive influence at the last couple of weeks at training.
“She has also earned her opportunity.”
Tori Groves-Little will not play due to a calf cork injury. Lauren Bella, Paige Parker and Emma Pittman have been omitted for this game.
Nat Grider and Jade Ellenger will travel as emergencies.
AFLW Round 4
Who: Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs
When: Saturday, 23 February at 7.10pm AEDT / 6.10pm AEST
Where: Whitten Oval, Victoria University
Entry is FREE
The match will be broadcasted nation-wide on 7Mate and Fox Footy from 6.10pm AEST. For the latest updates before, during and after the match, keep an eye on the Lions AFLW Twitter and Instagram accounts.
IN: Megan Hunt, Jessy Keeffe (Debut), Jacqui Yorston (Debut), Arianna Clarke
OUT: Lauren Bella (Omitted), Tori Groves-Little (Omitted), Emma Pittman (Omitted), Paige Parker (Ommitted).
