Niall McKeever gets chance to shine again

PEARCE Hanley says fellow Irishman Niall McKeever is up to the challenge of filling a key defensive post against Melbourne.

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PEARCE Hanley says fellow Irishman Niall McKeever is up to the challenge of filling a key defensive post for Brisbane in Sunday's match-up with Melbourne at the Gabba.

McKeever was named at centre half-back last night and will help fill the void left by the injured Matt Maguire, who will miss the next four to six weeks with an elbow injury.

The athletic 23-year-old did a fine job covering for Maguire when he was subbed out of last week's 58-point win over the Western Bulldogs at the start of the second quarter and has been handed the chance to shine again.

"Niall has been in some great form and has played some good footy," Hanley said. "He's very reliable down there. A few of the boys can play tall so we should be able to manage."

Lions great Simon Black also backed the 196cm defender to get the job done against the ever-improving Demons who will be without injured spearhead and former Lions Mitch Clark (foot).

"Whenever someone goes down, there will be an opportunity for someone to step up and Niall has been really good," Black said.

Brisbane named an extended 25-man squad for Sunday's clash, with Jared Polec, Patrick Karnezis, Jack Crisp and Elliot Yeo added to the side and Maguire the only forced casualty.

While McKeever was solid against the Bulldogs last week, Hanley was one of Brisbane's best with 29 disposals, 13 marks, six inside-50s, seven rebound 50s, one goal and three scoring assists.

It was enough for Hanley to be voted players' player by his teammates.

It also underlined his great importance to the Lions with his running ability, efficient disposal, physicality and fierce competitive streak vital to the side whether he is coming out of defence or stationed in the midfield.

"That was a breakout game," Hanley said.

"My form has been okay. I've been trying hard, certainly, but it's good to get a few touches on the weekend. It (the player's player gong) shows that you are getting a few touches but obviously putting your body on the line and making some tackles as well. It's good to be recognised for that."

Meanwhile, Black said he regretted striking Western Bulldog Liam Picken last weekend but admitted it was difficult staying composed while being tagged.

Black was charged with a level-two striking offence by the AFL's match review committee for making contact with Picken in the third quarter but an early guilty plea enabled him to avoid suspension.

"At times," Black said, when asked if it was hard to stay cool while being tagged.

"But it's one of those things. It (hitting Picken) is something I shouldn't have done.

"Over the years I've always just remained focused on what I've got to do, week in, week out. Worry about the ball and not the opposition."