AFL Finals: Giants have no fear of taking the long road to a maiden premiership

Lachie Keeffe has been forced to bide his time at the Giants in 2024. But just like his team’s mentality heading into a do-or-die final against the Lions, he’s ready to do whatever it takes.

The Giants have never feared being the underdog.

Tom Green’s mantra of ‘free smoke anywhere you want it’ headlined their push last season to within a point of a grand final berth. It’s clear they relish the mentality of, ‘Why not us?’ because they truly believe on their day, they can beat anyone.

But that will be put to the test from this Saturday. Their double chance is gone after losing to Sydney in the qualifying final and everything will be on the line against Brisbane at home.

“To put on a performance as we did for three quarters against a quality outfit would suggest we’re sort of there, thereabouts,” Lachie Keeffe said. “And that’s probably why that loss hurts more, you win the qualifying final and it gives you a better run at it.

“But we don’t have any fear or trepidation about going the long way. Last year, we sort of had to do that and we’ve got runs on the board, we’ve done that route before. It’s nothing new to us.”

Keeffe kicked an important goal against the Swans but was one of many in the team left shattered when they couldn’t finish off the job. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Keeffe epitomises the Giants’ desire to take the long way around in 2024 after a year where he’s had to bide his time.

The 34-year-old played 14 matches last season, including each of the Giants’ three finals, and was duly handed a one-year contract extension.

But opportunities in Adam Kingsley’s side as a second-ruck/forward have been few and far between. Jake Riccardi has been entrusted with more opportunities at stoppages, while Aaron Cadman has taken huge steps in his development.

Following 15 VFL games, Keeffe’s number was finally called when Kieren Briggs was managed against Brisbane in round 22. His impressive performance in the come-from-behind win at the Gabba has seen him retain his place for the past month, and he’s hoping that will continue as the Giants take on the Lions again.

“Especially at my age, you understand that the end is nigh,” Keeffe said.

“And as much as I love hanging around the young fellas playing out of Blacktown, this is the reason you play footy. You’re in a good team, it’s finals, the energy is up and about, and this is exactly where I want to be.

“I’m pumped to be a part of it and certainly don’t take it for granted. Kingers and I have honest conversations all the time, and if Ricca (Jake Riccardi) returns I’d still be around the squad to help out wherever I can.

“But it’s been great to get that vote of confidence from the coach and match committee because I also have that level of confidence in myself. Whether it’s in the team, or an emergency, I feel like I’m an AFL quality player, and if my card is called, I can play a good role for the team.”

The veteran has proven a valuable asset for Kingsley, providing assistance to Kieren Briggs in the ruck battle. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

His renewed belief is matched with physical conviction that his body can still stand up to the rigours of playing in the AFL. Even if that wasn’t the case, then there’s some more personal satisfaction on the line after Callan Ward’s recent contract extension.

“Wardy is going around again, he’s five or six days older than me,” Keeffe said. “I was trying to get to the point where I was the oldest on the list but I think he’s going to be able to claim that now.

“I’m certainly open to (playing on). I haven’t made any decisions yet, and again, it might not be my decision anyway, the club might decide that’s not the path they want to go down. But as it stands, I feel pretty good about my body and how I play, I’m not counting out anything.”

It’s been a year of change for Keeffe. Not only has he adjusted to his new fringe role, but he’s also become a father for the first time with his wife Emma to their son, Penn.

While it’s widened his perspective on what’s important in life, it’s also sharpened his focus on what he wants to get out of how little might be left of his senior footy career.

Keeffe (2R) is keen for his AFL career to continue into 2025 and create more memories for his young son, Penn. Picture: Brett Costello

“He’s cool and he brings so much joy in my life and my purpose as my time’s gone on in footy has definitely broadened,” he said. “Emma has been a star, she does all the heavy lifting because he’s still quite young.

“Family and friends are a big part of my why. Winning premierships is obviously part of that, but they probably get more joy than I do out of it.

“I’m a pretty positive guy, but I get a lot of confidence out of the group’s belief. And that’s been fostered over the past 18-24 months.

“Finals footy, you’re not gonna have your way for 120 minutes. So we have to find a way to hold momentum and grind out passages of play better than we have in sort of recent times.

“It’s not going to be as straightforward as rolling in and we believe and we’ll win, still got to get to work. There are going to be times of nervousness, that’s all natural. So control that, feel it, and get on with your role and how we want to play.”

Originally published as AFL Finals: Giants have no fear of taking the long road to a maiden premiership