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.

McKeever’s promising form in attack with the Lions Reserves has earned him a senior call-up for this Saturday night’s QClash against the Gold Coast Suns.

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.”

McKeever was one of three inclusions into the Lions’ line-up for QClash 5, along with first-gamer Sam Mayes and Jared Polec.

“What has really stood out for us with Sam is his decision-making ability with ball in hand, and obviously he’s a long runner as well,” Fletcher said.

“Vossy gave Sam the good news (on Wednesday) so that he could get the excitement of making his AFL debut out of the way early.”

“His parents are travelling up from Adelaide to Brisbane to see his first game as well, so it will be a pretty special occasion for him.”

“Jared Polec’s another exciting inclusion, whose penetration by foot gives us another weapon,” he said.

“He’s worked hard on his fitness and strength over summer and we believe he’s ready to go.”

In order to bring McKeever, Mayes and Polec into the side, Fletcher said the Lions had to make a couple of tough decisions at Thursday’s Match Committee meeting.

With Claye Beams forced out of the side with a knee injury, Patrick Karnezis and Ryan Lester were omitted to maintain ‘team balance’. 

“I know people hate it when clubs talk about team balance, but the fact is you can only fit 22 players into your team each week,” Fletcher said. 

“They’re both going to be great players for the Club/ Patty showed great form in the pre-season and will be a good wingman, while Ryan will probably end up being a real extractor of the ball in the midfield.”

Fletcher also spared a thought for Beams, whose recent training mishap came just as he was beginning to cement his position in the senior team.

“It’s certainly not what you want,” Fletcher said.

“Claye found it tough to cement a regular spot in the side last year, so trained really hard in the pre-season and looked like he had taken that next step.”

“It’s just devastating for him, but he’s only young and can take some solace in the fact that he still has a long AFL future ahead of him.”