Five things we learnt from Ben Keays and Ben Crocker’s first press conference as Adelaide Crows players
Adelaide’s newest mature-age draftees Ben Keays and Ben Crocker enjoyed their first stint in front of the cameras as Crows players on Monday. Here’s what we learned from it.
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Adelaide’s newest draftees - mature age pair Ben Crocker and Ben Keays - introduced themselves to their new teammates, hit the training track and then fronted the media on Monday.
Here’s five things we learnt from their joint press conference at West Lakes this afternoon.
1. The wing is hot property at Adelaide in 2020
Both played half-forward/wing at their former clubs and that’s where they see themselves slotting in at the Crows if given the opportunity.
“I spent last season playing more as a forward and when I’ve gone up to the AFL side I’ve played more forward/wing, but getting drafted as a midfielder I think I’ve added that versatility over time,” Keays said.
“So any role that pops up I think I’m well equipped to do it.”
Crocker added: “I played predominantly in the AFL at the Magpies as a deep or high half-forward, and last year played predominantly as a winger in the VFL side”.
“I’d like to think I’m pretty flexible, can play on the wing and deep or high half-forward.”
2. Hoping for a sudden impact
The two Bens are 22, both were drafted in 2015 and have had a taste of senior footy.
Keays played 30 games at the Lions including two in 2019 and Crocker 26 at the Magpies with three this year.
They both want to put their name up for senior selection as soon as possible with the Crows.
“Both me and Keaysy and the draftees will want to come in and make an impact, but at the same time you don’t want to put expectations on yourself, just let things play out, train hard and hopefully earn your spot,” Crocker said.
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3. Hello Rory Laird
Asked which player they were most relieved to have as a teammate and not the opposition anymore, Keays replied instantly.
“Rory Laird. He plays half-back and I played half-forward and he just racks it up and lets you know about it as well,” he said.
“So, we’ve already had a bit of a laugh about that.”
Crocker said he already knew Tom Lynch, which has made the transition to his new club easier.
“I spoke to a few of the boys before coming here, I have a bit of a family connection to Tommy Lynch which made it a bit easier, but meeting all the boys and the staff this morning is difficult trying to learn everyone’s names, but I’m sure after a week or two it will be sweet,” he said.
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4. New coach, new perspectives
Asked what their perspective of the Adelaide Crows was from the outside looking in, Keays said “big and proud”.
“I try not to look too much into it when you’re immersed in another footy club, but for me the Crows are such a respected, proud club with a strong history and a large fan base,” he said.
“Coming from Brisbane, being able to immerse myself in that culture and welcome the expectations of playing for a big club with so many loyal supporters, that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
And he believes arriving at the same time as a new coach in Matthew Nicks is perfect.
“I guess it is a clean slate for everyone, everyone starts from scratch and it’s exciting because we get to come in and build the culture with Nicksy and his game style and game plan,” Keays said.
“I saw it at Brisbane having Justin Leppitsch and then transitioning to Chris Fagan, I saw the benefits of that clean slate and everyone having to buy in to a new game style and culture change together.”
5. Rookie draft came out of the blue
Both players spoke to Crows list manager Justin Reid about a month ago but hadn’t heard much since, so were somewhat surprised to have their names read out in the rookie draft.
Keays had signed on to play with the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL next year but happily changed plans.
“When my name got called out it was a pretty welcome surprise,” he said.
“There’s always that part of me that thought I should still be in the AFL and I’m good enough, but at the same time you’ve still got to move on with life.
“So, part of me said ‘move on and let it go’, but there was still that burning desire and to have my name called out was awesome.
“I was at home in Brisbane and the phone started blowing up, I wasn’t following the rookie draft, and the first person who called me was Nicksy.
“He welcomed me to the club, said he was happy to have me and what he expects me to bring.”
reece.homfray@news.com.au
Originally published as Five things we learnt from Ben Keays and Ben Crocker’s first press conference as Adelaide Crows players