New GIANTS recruit Lachie Keeffe is three days into his new career in the orange and charcoal and ready to return to AFL level for the first time since 2014.
The 27-year-old versatile tall has played 40 games over seven seasons in the competition and joined the GIANTS as a delisted free agent this off-season.
“It’s going to be a tough team to crack into but I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could play AFL still so hopefully play some good footy and get a run relatively early,” he said on Wednesday.
Keeffe arrived at the WestConnex Centre on Monday for day one of pre-season training with the club’s first to fourth year players.
“It’s been real good, the boys have been awesome and helped me settle in,” he said.
“It’s only the first to fourth year guys at the moment but a few of the senior boys have been floating through.
“The boys are good fellas and training’s been solid which is to be expected but it’s been a great experience so far.”
Keeffe comes from a soccer background and at 204cm and 101kg, is exceptionally agile for a player of his size.
Originating from Queensland, Keeffe was first spotted at a talent search and joined Collingwood’s rookie list for the 2009 season.
Keeffe made his debut in 2011 and has played as a ruckman, forward and defender across his career. His most consistent season came in 2014 when he played 18 AFL games. Keeffe was re-rookied by Collingwood ahead of the 2017 season where he played 19 games in the VFL before being delisted post-season.
“You’re always hopeful of another chance. I sort of saw the writing on the wall last season but it was still a little bit of a kick in the face when you get the news,” he said.
“The GIANTS had me up for an interview with Leon Cameron and (GM of Football) Wayne Campbell and it was a pretty quick turnaround and I was grateful to take up their offer.
“The initial meeting went really well, I felt really good about it and obviously they felt strongly enough to give me the year (contract) so it’s always nice when people can give you that kind of support.
“The boys have been really good early and are a good bunch of fellas so hopefully I get along just as well with the older boys when they come back.”
Keeffe isn’t content to just make up the numbers at his new club and wants to push for a senior spot as soon as he can.
“I played some alright footy in the VFL but obviously want to be playing AFL. Hopefully I can play a little bit better footy and crack that AFL level.
“I’ve played all those key position roles but I’ve definitely played my better footy as a backline player so hopefully you can see me running around there taking a few marks and a few spoils.”
For now, on day three, it’s just about getting used to the colours.
“It will be good to get the whole squad back and hit the ground running,” he said,
“I’m just trying to settle in at the moment, learn the boys’ names and all the staff and admin.
“It’s a new environment and a new stimulus so I’m really looking forward to it.”
