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Another of the audacious scouting moves Collingwood’s made under National Recruiting Manager Derek Hine is set to pay dividends on the weekend with Lachlan Keeffe named to make his senior debut.

It has been a long time coming for Keeffe, who has been listed at the club since 2008, and has been named as an emergency on six occasions in 2011.

The 204cm Keeffe told CTV’s Paul Licuria that he is relieved to finally get his chance at the highest level.

“I’m feeling good mate. It’s just good to finally get a crack at AFL. I obviously had the experience in the NAB Cup this year and had a bit of a taste but I’ve been well advised that it’s a bit of a step up, so hopefully I can put my best foot forward and have a crack and hopefully play well.”

Keeffe was a budding soccer star as a teenager, and was not registered to any football club when he was signed by the Magpies in late 2007 as a ‘pre-listed’ player, which meant that he was free to join any AFL club without going through the standard draft process.

He was placed on the club’s rookie list in 2008, and played four VFL matches late in the season while learning the ropes with Old Trinity. He has since spent two full seasons in the VFL, starting his career as a ruckman before developing into a key defender in 2010.

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“I played a little bit of soccer; I’d played since I was six, up until I was 17, and I only really started taking up footy at school level at 17.

“I played in a few Queensland development teams and squads and that kind of stuff, but the bottom line was that blokes my age were starting to get contracts from the AIS or A-League teams, and I wasn’t getting that, so I jumped at the idea of becoming a professional sportsman in a different code, so there’re no regrets.”

Keeffe played in all four rounds of the NAB Cup, and was a member of the team that beat Essendon in the Grand Final.

“Earlier in the year, I thought my NAB Cup form was alright, but obviously Mick told me throughout the year that you’re a chance, but we have to wait for the right match up and selection criteria and all that sort of stuff.

“I was just waiting to bide my time, trying to play consistently good football in the VFL and put my hand up if I’m needed. I never really thought I was in at any stage, and I’m obviously lucky to get the nod this week.”

The Keeffe clan will make the trip down from Gympie to watch their son take on the Kangaroos.

“I gave mum a ring. I thought she’d be up and about, but I think I woke her up. She’ll be making the trek down, and I think my dad will come too. My sister’s pretty glad because she’s heading over to America to be a nanny for a year, so she wasn’t too sure if she was going to be able to see my first game, so I think she’ll be pretty happy.”

WHAT HE SAYS:
When signed by Collingwood:
“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime - it’s not all the time you get a professional team call you and say they have a contract for you,” - Sunshine Coast Daily, 22 December 2007

On his path to Collingwood:
"I did a 'rookie search' in Queensland for people who haven't played much footy before, because I'd only played school footy, and hadn't played club footy. So I went through that, and Derek picked me out, and I did a couple of trials. I've now been down here for a couple of months, so it has been pretty good.” - 16 August, 2008

About his future at the club:
"The club is trying to make me into a ruckman, but there are guys like 'Woody' (Cameron Wood) and Justin Crow in there, so I might end up playing in a key position, in both the backline and the forward line. I don't really have any long-term aspirations (as yet), I don't even think that I'll play any pre-season games next year, as I'm pretty raw, so I'm just trying to develop and get better as quickly as I can." - 16 August, 2008

On the move from Queensland to Melbourne:
"I'm from a small town, Gympie, up in Queensland, so I actually went to boarding school for three years. The move away from home wasn't too bad, and my parents have come down a fair bit, so it's been good.” - 16 August, 2008

His first full pre-season (2008/2009):  “It would be great to get a game in the NAB Cup or NAB Challenge.  I guess I will have to play it by ear but it would be great to get the experience.”

WHAT THEY SAY:
“His first game was a big one to come in for, but he applied himself really well, and he didn’t let himself down at all.” - Gavin Brown after Keeffe’s VFL debut v Geelong on August 2 2008

“He’s come from a long way back. He’s put on a bit of weight now … and he’s played some pretty good games. He’s a smart kid; he’s a very coachable kid and he knows what’s required. You teach him something and he goes out and does it, which is a good sign.” - Gavin Brown, 25 June 2009

"In many respects, it's probably a better story than an Irish story. With the Irishmen, they've got the football in their hands. With soccer, unless you’re a goalie, there’s not much chance of having it (the ball) in your hands. It is a remarkable story.” - Mick Malthouse, 7 July 2011

The stats behind the debut:
Keeffe’s averages:
2011 VFL Games: 11
2011 VFL Goals: 1
Disposals: 11.5
Contested Disposals: 4.8
Uncontested Disposals: 5.6
Marks: 3.5
Inside 50m: 1.1
Rebound 50m: 3.2
Tackles: 1.2
Spoils: 3.0