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.

It took Pearce Hanley - the Lions’ other Irish recruit - three full years before he really blossomed as an AFL player.

Hanley managed just 12 senior matches across his first three seasons at the elite level - averaging 14 disposals and three marks per game. It proved a modest return for the boy from Ballaghadereen, and led to some people questioning whether he would ever 'make it' as an AFL player.

But Hanley has since played 52 straight senior matches from 2010-2012, and is now widely regarded as Ireland’s best export currently playing in the AFL.

McKeever, meanwhile, has played 19 senior matches across his first three AFL seasons - seven more than Hanley at the same stage of his career - and is feeling far more comfortable at the elite level.

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.

An International Rookie no more, McKeever will be hoping his fourth season can prove a springboard for the remainder of his professional sporting career in Australia.

Speaking with afl.com.au, McKeever said that while he still misses home at times, the camaraderie among the players at the Club has made the transition an easy one.

“I love living in Australia, there’s no doubt about it,” McKeever said.

“I think everybody tends to get a little bit homesick because it’s a long year and you’ve obviously got family and friends over in the Ireland.”

“It’s the same with the (other) boys as well, who have family and friends (interstate).”

“The boys are all pretty close over here, and that helps you get through it.”