AS eight potential draftees converge on Etihad Stadium, representing each region competing in the Under 18s National Championships, there’s one who immediately grabs your attention.
Bounding around and chatting with opposition players, photographers and journalists, it’s clear to see why Ben Keays commands the respect of his teammates.
Later described as one of the most “positive” and “energetic” kids at the championships by AFL Academy assistant coach Glen Jakovich, the 18-year-old is impressing recruiters both on and off the field.
Keays was named the Hunter Harrison Medallist as Queensland won its first Division 2 title in nine years, averaging 28.6 disposals and 5.3 clearances per game across the carnival.He is also a prolific ball winner in TAC Cup footy, averaging 33.5 disposals and five tackles per game across four matches while representing Queensland.
His form has backed up an impressive season as a bottom-age player in 2014, where Keays was named an All-Australian having kicked seven goals in three matches, while averaging 23 disposals per game.
“I learnt a lot,” Keays tells Fox Footy, recalling his championships campaign from 12 months ago.
“I really enjoyed it and it’s gotten me ready for this year, where there’s obviously a bit more pressure. Last year I could just blend in and do my thing, but this year there’s a lot more attention.”
But the athletic midfielder is relishing the extra pressure and has earned the plaudits of his coaches in the way he is continually improving.
“The kid keeps going to level that’s being asked of him,” Queensland coach Adrian Fletcher tells Fox Footy. “That’s the brilliant thing about the kid … You put the marker up a bit higher and he’ll go to that level.
“He’s a natural leader and he sets high standards. He really tries to drag people on his own back to raise the standards. If there’s a period where the team needs to lift, he’s the first one that throws his weight around and puts his body on the line to do it and everyone follows him.”
A member of the Brisbane Lions academy, Keays has been exposed to senior footy this season as he goes up against AFL-listed players in the NEAFL.
But he has done so adequately over the course of the year, averaging 20.6 disposals and almost three tackles per game.
“I’m really enjoying it,” Keays says. “It’s been an awesome experience and it’s really propelled my footy forward.
“They’re obviously a lot harder bodies, they tackle harder and the pressure is up. You’ve just got to be composed in your footy and make the right decisions, because if you make the wrong decision with the footy it can go the other way quickly.
“You’ve got to be switched on for the whole game. It’s been really fun.”
Whereas his future at Brisbane might have been guaranteed 12 months ago, a reformed bidding system for academy prospects means Lions recruiters may now have to choose between Keays and key forward Eric Hipwood come November’s draft.
Hipwood, a gifted 200cm prospect, stole the spotlight in a Round 2 clash with Tasmania, booting four in a quarter, and finished the championships averaging 21 disposals per game, highlighting his versatility.
But Keays is not letting any supposed rivalry with Hipwood effect his football and is yet to consider his long-term future.
“I don’t put much thought into it, I’d be fine going anywhere, to be honest,” Keays says. “But the Lions academy has been awesome and I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for their coaching and their training.
“I’d definitely be comfortable (moving interstate). I’m the type of guy who would like to get out there, meet new people and experience new stuff.”
A Brisbane supporter growing up, Keays did admit that it would be “great” to remain in his home city and revealed how his childhood role models at the Lions have shaped his career so far.
“I watched a lot of Simon Black,” Keays says. “He’s a Lions legend and I still see him around the Gabba sometimes when I’m doing my gym work.
“He wasn’t the quickest midfielder, a bit like me, but he knew what to do with the footy and he was just so clean and classy and he was a joy to watch.
“I think I base my game around him, but there are a few other current players that I like to watch closely.”
One of those current role models is Dustin Martin and, from watching Keays, it’s clear to see how you could draw comparisons.
“He’s just matured and he never gets tackled,” Fletcher says. “He uses his strength to fend off and he’s probably like Dustin Martin in those capacities.
“His ability to find the ball, it doesn’t matter what type of day it is, he’ll just find it and he’ll do it in the pressure situations.”
