Ben Keays

Ben Keays is a retired player most recently playing for Adelaide.

Ben Keays (born 23 February 1997) is an Australian rules footballer with the Adelaide Crows in the Australian Football League (AFL). His great-grandfather Fred Keays represented both Fitzroy and Collingwood in the Victorian Football League.

Born in Melbourne, Keays moved to Brisbane at five years of age and attended St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace throughout his schooling years. His great grandfather, Fred, played football for Fitzroy and Collingwood between 1919-1922 and served in both World War I and II. His great uncle, Desmond, also played football for Fitzroy while his uncle, Terry, played for Collingwood and Richmond. 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.[10][11] He also captained Queensland to their first division 2 title in nine years at the 2015 AFL Under 18 Championships[12] and won the 2015 Hunter Harrison Medal for his performances across the three games.[13][14][15]

Keays was recruited by the Brisbane Lions with their third selection and 24th overall in the 2015 national draft.[16] He was the second academy selection for Brisbane after they matched a bid by the Western Bulldogs.[17]

Keays made his AFL debut for Brisbane in round 6, 2016 against the Sydney Swans.[18] He won the Andrew Ireland Medal as best afield in the 2017 NEAFL Grand final, amassing 30 disposals, 9 tackles and 2 goals.[19] He was delisted at the conclusion of the 2019 AFL season. Keays was later picked up by the Adelaide Crows at Pick 7 in the 2019 AFL Rookie Draft. [20]