The Irishman had the better of former St Kilda ruckman Michael Nix and was among Queensland’s best players as the Maroons went within an ace of the biggest upset in interstate history over Western Australia.
Queensland lost 16.17 (113) to 16.11 (107) in front of 3000 spectators at Mandurah, 70km south of Perth, but won enormous respect for their effort.
“Obviously I didn’t play NAB Cup and I haven’t played a senior game yet but that was a better standard than what I’ve experienced before and enjoyed every bit of it,” McKeever said.
The Lions international rookie was eligible for State selection because he was not on the senior list, and had been in terrific form for the reserves this season.
“It was a great experience,” McKeever said of his State debut. “I’ve only been playing AFL for a couple of years and to go against Rix, who has played AFL, was a good challenge for me.”
McKeever was the Maroons’ leading possession-winner in the first quarter and was also good at the taps at a time of the game when many of his teammates were struggling.
McKeever and former Lion Albert Proud adjusted best to the fast-paced tempo of the game when WA kicked 1.8 to 2.1 in the first term.
The home side kicked away to a 42-point lead in the second before three late goals to the visitors got themselves back into the contest.
Tall forward Josh Smith bagged five goals in 35 minutes immediately after halftime to give WA a 44-point lead early in the final term, before Queensland unleashed a withering finish.
Former Lion Scott Clouston lent valuable support to McKeever in the ruck during this period and kicked a booming 65m goal.
The undoubted star for Queensland was rover Dayne Zorko.
He unofficially collected 35 possessions and booted four goals and matched the Black Swans in tight and with his ability to find space.
At 22 and a three-time club champion at Broadbeach, he may yet be a mature-aged draft pick.
Zorko, Labrador’s Ryan Davey, skipper Danny Wise, McKeever, Proud and Matthew Payne were Queensland’s best.
“I was still disappointed with the loss,” McKeever said. “All the boys were great, they were pretty close.
“It was good to travel to WA and get around a bit, it was nice to make the most of it.”
The Lions Reserves were part of a general bye for the State game and will be back in action at Mt Gravatt’s Dittmer Park next Sunday.
“I will just try to keep my form up and fingers crossed,” the affable McKeever said.
