Brisbane's future will be on show when young midfielder Ben Keays makes his debut for the Lions on Sunday against the Sydney Swans.
Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch informed the 19-year-old this morning, before making an announcement to the full playing group prior to Wednesday's training.
A prolific ball-magnet with a terrific work rate, Keays was developed through the Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy and was taken at No. 24 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.
The Queenslander has averaged just under 30 disposals and a goal a game in his four NEAFL matches this season playing for the Lions’ Reserves.
“It’s been something I’ve been waiting for for a long time,” Keays told lions.com.au
“I was battling it out in the Reserves and we were having some tough losses, but I was just trying to do everything right and keep working hard and in the end I got the reward.”
At 185cm and 82kg, Keays has traditionally played as an inside midfielder. He kicked three goals on Saturday against Aspley playing across half-forward, however, and the Brisbane Lions plan to use the on-baller in a similar role on Sunday.
“I’ll be playing up forward – so it’s something a bit different.
“I did spend last week in the reserves up forward. It’s a role I’ve played in the past as a junior. It’s obviously a little different so I’ll keep learning and hanging off the small forwards and get their advice."
Keays moved from Melbourne to Brisbane as a five-year-old in 2002 and grew up as a Lions supporter. He will make his debut on Sunday in front of family and friends.
“I’ve watched so many games at The Gabba, just too many to count as a supporter so to be actually playing in one is obviously going to be pretty crazy.
“I’ll look out to Section 62 where my family has always sat, and see if I can see them and hopefully kick a goal and have a good win.”
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