Lachlan Keeffe, a 21-year-old, 204cm defender from Queensland with a soccer background, has stepped into the breach in recent weeks to fill the absence of injured premiership forward Chris Dawes. While Keeffe's elevation has come about through circumstance it is a positive for the Magpies.
He has been given a role to play as a lead up forward, floating around the 50m line and providing an option for the midfield as they move the ball into attack. It's not an easy adjustment. He has been playing in defence at VFL level all season. "I am just trying to play to the best of my ability," he said.
Keeffe is part of a young group including John McCarthy (21 years old), Luke Rounds (20) and Alex Fasolo (19) with a combined games tally of 25 that did not get a look-in last season as the club went through a transition on its way to a premiership.
Malthouse said after the game that giving experience to players in that category - early in their careers and on the edge of senior selection - was so important to ensure the team has a large squad to select from when the finals arrive. "They will shuffle back and forth - there is no question about that - because their form is good but can be patchy," he said.
Pressure for places is important to consistent performance, as is a balanced list that enables any circumstance to be covered. Malthouse will live with the mistakes and the hard lessons learned right now because it will be good for the club's future. He knows that experience under AFL pressure is crucial and the only way to get it is in the middle.
Keeffe has certainly noticed the step up in pace from VFL to AFL. He actually thought it was tough enough to find time and space in the VFL so he is taking some time to adjust to the AFL. "When the footy is around you the footy is pretty hot," said Keeffe. "You don't get a lot of time to dispose the ball, or even get the ball."
Keeffe managed to snag six possessions and take five marks against the Blues. He created space for his stronger, more experienced teammate Travis Cloke and he brought the ball to the ground for the crumbing players such as Jarryd Blair, Steele Sidebottom and Andrew Krakouer to do their best work. He did not set the game alight but he did not make any errors either.
In a minor victory he also kicked his first goal in AFL football, taking a strong mark and kicking accurately from 15m out in the second quarter when the Magpies needed a steadier. His description of the moment revealed part of his no-nonsense approach. "It was more relief than anything," said Keeffe.
He admitted that it was good to get the first goal out of the way, particularly given he had handballed to Leon Davis when within range the week before on debut.
An affable character, Keeffe won respect at Collingwood the moment he arrived in 2009. He was a hard worker who loved the contest and impressed Malthouse immediately.
He was part of junior development squads in soccer but when his mates were starting to head to the Australian Institute of Sport or be signed by A-League clubs, Collingwood knocked on his door. The opportunity was too good to refuse. He has been hard at work ever since, playing in the NAB Cup in the pre-season and biding his time for an opportunity, learning the game and becoming stronger.
Midway through the final quarter he was subbed off, his day finishing early. His replacement Fasolo came on and kicked a goal to seal the game. It was a late change but there were signs Keeffe was spent. It would not have been a surprise if he had said to the coach, 'what kept you?' He was not alone. Collingwood had several players on the bench who were very sore but had to keep going on to the ground.
Keeffe took being replaced in his stride. He understands he has plenty of work ahead of him to establish himself as a senior player. "Hopefully I will build on that each week and if I get another chance next week I will build on it again," he said.
Collingwood is exposing its list, establishing depth while the going is good. It is a fine balance but it has benefits. Keeffe, Rounds, Fasolo and McCarthy are learning what it takes. They might still be there when finals roll around. If not they are playing an important role in the club's quest for back-to-back premierships.
Peter Ryan writes for afl.com.au and the AFL Record. Follow him on Twitter at @pet_ryan
