Past Niall McKeever (2010-2013)

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McKeever's steep learning
03 Dec, 2012

Like a number of his fellow Irish compatriots, Niall McKeever chose to embark on a professional AFL career, rather than continue playing Gaelic football in his Irish homeland.

McKeever arrived in Australia at the end of 2009 after being drafted to the Lions as an International Rookie, and immediately began his AFL apprenticeship.

But unlike the majority of his teammates who had spent years of development with junior or local competitions, the Australian Rules code was still relatively foreign for McKeever. So it was always going to take time for the 196cm athlete from County Antrim to come to terms with the intricacies, demands, and rules of the sport.

The Lions also believe that he is ready to play a greater role in 2013 and beyond, and as a show of their faith, elevated him permanently to the Club’s senior list at last month’s AFL National Draft.

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Official Niall Mckeever Bandwagon - Membership Open

Having been elevated to the Senior List, the time has come to launch an Official Bandwagon for Niall.

Get in early and avoid the rush!

I'm signed on. McKeever is going to have a blinder in 2013!
 
irel said:
Gees 3KZ, your wagon needs a bit of work before it starts rolling. ;)

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Irel, that's not a bandwagon. It's a magic trick!
 
Michael Whiting

Lions been training with Niall McKeever forward so far this pre-season. Great runner and great competitor, but strill struggles with skills
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Not sure, i think his skills are usually tidy enough, although his actions look awkward. I think it's the finer details he still doesn't grasp. I worry about a forward move, as i can't see him picking up the timing, leading patterns and skill set required. I'm sure it's just a move to help round out his game a bit more.

I think as a forward or a defender, it helps playing some time at either end. Gives you an idea what it's like for the other position, and might give you an insight into what tactics hinder the most.
 
I think his awareness is more of an issue. You always feel that there will be that one moment every game where he gets run down because he had no idea that he was under pressure.
 
chopperduck said:
Not sure, i think his skills are usually tidy enough, although his actions look awkward. I think it's the finer details he still doesn't grasp. I worry about a forward move, as i can't see him picking up the timing, leading patterns and skill set required. I'm sure it's just a move to help round out his game a bit more.

I think as a forward or a defender, it helps playing some time at either end. Gives you an idea what it's like for the other position, and might give you an insight into what tactics hinder the most.
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Very true. I really can't see him as a permanent forward. But then, I struggle to see him carving a role in the backline either. There's just too many nuances of the game that are still a mystery to him.
 
His physically abilities cover what he lacks mentally. Too often for my liking he was caught ball watching or completely out of position. He loses that body to body contact on the forwards too often. He is certainly worth persisting with though. Hopefully he can have a consistent year.
 

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Grimreepah said:
Michael Whiting
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Much the same thing was said about Andrew Raines a few seasons back and look at him now. McKeever's athleticism and desire to compete have impressed me and I feel sure he is going to cement his spot in the team this year. At this stage anyone who has a secured seat on his bandwagon should be feeling pretty confident about bragging rights in years to come. There are going to be a few johnny-come-latelies trying to get on board McKeever this year and next. Rest assured.
 
Reserves Wrap Preseason
March 26, 2013
Sam Lord

Niall McKeever and Ryan Lester have also been among the many shining lights in the Reserves, and look determined to get their names back into senior calculations.

“In our first game, we had to use Niall in the ruck because we were short on options. I thought he was super that day, and he even went forward and kicked a couple of goals.”

“Against the Gold Coast we played Leuey in the ruck during the first half, which allowed Niall to play more up forward. He looked dangerous all day, taking a number of really nice marks and kicking 4-5 goals.”
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I really believe this guy can become a solid player for us in the seniors. Must admit I didn't expect it to be up forward though but it's fantastic to hear of the impact he has had up there in the last few weeks. I for one don't judge his kicking has harshly as others either. It is awkward to watch and a bit slow to get through (not good when he's under pressure) but from what I've seen he rarely misses his target.

I think the main thing about Niall is that he needs to learn to use his size with some more aggression. It's like he doesn't realise he's actually a pretty big unit. Hopefully he is starting to embrace this!
 
McKeever the chameleon
April 12, 2013
Sam Lord

Niall McKeever’s steep AFL learning curve is almost complete, having now experienced playing at both ends of the field.

Throughout his opening three seasons with the Brisbane Lions, McKeever has developed mainly as a key defender who could occasionally pinch-hit in the ruck if needed. But his most recent pre-season has seen him take on a new role as a lead-up forward – a change that seems to have reinvigorated the 24 year-old.

While the County Antrim product has only had a modest return on the scoreboard, it’s been his ability to provide a hit-up marking target, keep the ball inside attacking 50m, and create scoring opportunities for his teammates that has impressed the coaching staff most.

Assistant Coach Adrian Fletcher said the Irishman’s height and athleticism gives the Lions another versatile key position option. “We’ve loved the way he’s gone about his pre-season,” Fletcher told lions.com.au. “In the modern game, having a 196cm player who can run all day is a huge bonus.”

“Being played up forward this pre-season has really added another string to his bow, so we feel he can fill a number of positions for us.” “His work-rate is exceptional and he loves a contest, so you know he’s going to roll his sleeves up and get dirty.”

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Past Niall McKeever (2010-2013)

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