Ben Keays is a name that resonates with Australian Football League (AFL) fans. A professional Australian rules footballer, Keays has carved a niche for himself, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication.
Currently playing for the Adelaide Football Club, his journey in the AFL has been marked by significant achievements and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
This article delves into the life and career of Ben Keays, offering insights into his early life, professional career, personal details, and more.
About Ben Keays
Born on 23rd February 1997, Ben Keays hails from Melbourne, Victoria. His family has a rich history in football, with his great-grandfather Fred Keays having represented both Fitzroy and Collingwood in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
This legacy of football in his family undoubtedly shaped Keays’ passion for the sport. Keays moved to Brisbane when he was five years old, where he attended St Joseph’s College in Gregory Terrace.
Despite the significant influence of rugby in his school, Keays’ interest in Australian rules football remained unwavering.
His dedication to the sport was evident early on, as he started playing junior football for the Morningside Panthers at 14 and was subsequently enrolled in the Brisbane Lions talent academy.
Early Life
A deep connection with football marked Keays’ early life. His family’s history in the sport and his passion led him to start his junior football career with the Morningside Panthers. At 14, he was enrolled in the Brisbane Lions talent academy, setting the stage for his future career in the AFL.
Early Career
Significant achievements marked Keays’ early career. He was selected to play for Queensland in the AFL Under 18 Championships in 2014 and 2015 and was also part of the 2014 and 2015 All-Australian teams.
His performance in the 2015 AFL Under 18 Championships was particularly noteworthy, as he captained Queensland to their first division 2 victory in several years, earning the Hunter Harrison Medal for his efforts.
Professional Career
Keays made his AFL debut for Brisbane in round 6, 2016, against the Sydney Swans. He won the Andrew Ireland Medal as best afield in the 2017 NEAFL Grand final, amassing 30 disposals, 9 tackles, and 2 goals. Despite his promising start, Keays was delisted after the 2019 AFL season.
However, he was later picked up by the Adelaide Crows at Pick 7 in the 2019 AFL Rookie Draft. Since then, Keays has established himself as a core player with the Adelaide Crows, finishing fifth in the club’s Malcolm Blight Best & Fairest Medal in 2020.
Ben Keays’s Net Worth Details
Ben Keays’s net worth is estimated to be AUD 2 million as of 2025. This is based on his career earnings, which have totaled AUD 2.5 million, as well as his likely endorsements and investments.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Brisbane Lions | $75,000 |
| 2017 | Brisbane Lions | $80,000 |
| 2018 | Brisbane Lions | $85,000 |
| 2019 | Brisbane Lions | $90,000 |
| 2020 | Adelaide Crows | $100,000 |
| 2021 | Adelaide Crows | $150,000 |
Salary
| Year | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Adelaide Crows | $200,000 |
| 2023 | Adelaide Crows | $250,000 |
Endorsements
Ben Keays has a few notable endorsements and partnerships. He has signed a two-year contract extension with the Adelaide Crows, which will see him continue to play for the club until the end of the 2024 season.
This contract extension came after a career-best campaign at West Lakes, where Keays demonstrated his skills as a midfielder.
In addition to his contract with the Adelaide Crows, Keays has partnered with Swysh, a platform allowing fans to book personalized video messages from their favorite athletes.
Through this platform, fans can request a variety of shoutouts from Keays, including birthday wishes, motivational messages, and more.
Furthermore, Keays has been recognized as a leader within the Adelaide Crows. In February 2022, he joined Adelaide’s leadership group, a testament to his influence and respect within the team.
His hard work and dedication to the sport have earned him the admiration of his teammates and the broader AFL community.
Personal Details
| Full name | Ben Keays |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 23 February 1997 |
| Father’s name | Information not available |
| Mother’s name | Information not available |
| Place of birth | Melbourne, Victoria |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Current net worth | AUD 2 million |
| Career earnings | AUD 2.5 million |
| Height | 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 89 kg (196 lb) |
Girlfriend
Ben Keays is currently dating Kelsey Lee. They have been together for several years and live together in Adelaide.
Career Stats
| Year | Team | Games Played | Goals | Disposals | Kicks | Handballs | Marks | Tackles | Hitouts | Inside 50s | Rebound 50s | Clearances | Clangers | Frees For | Frees Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Brisbane Lions | 3 | 0 | 28 | 16 | 12 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 2017 | Brisbane Lions | 10 | 4 | 142 | 70 | 72 | 28 | 44 | 0 | 22 | 10 | 32 | 23 | 7 | 7 |
| 2018 | Brisbane Lions | 9 | 2 | 105 | 52 | 53 | 20 | 28 | 0 | 16 | 7 | 22 | 16 | 3 | 4 |
| 2019 | Brisbane Lions | 8 | 2 | 87 | 44 | 43 | 16 | 23 | 0 | 12 | 5 | 16 | 14 | 3 | 3 |
| 2020 | Adelaide Crows | 16 | 7 | 303 | 146 | 157 | 56 | 70 | 0 | 47 | 22 | 68 | 44 | 10 | 10 |
| 2021 | Adelaide Crows | 22 | 9 | 619 | 308 | 311 | 105 | 123 | 0 | 88 | 38 | 138 | 87 | 22 | 17 |
FAQs
Who is Ben Keays?
Ben Keays is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Adelaide Football Club in the AFL. He was born on March 23, 1997, in Brisbane, Queensland.
What teams has Ben Keays played for?
Keays was originally drafted by the Brisbane Lions with pick 24 in the 2015 AFL draft. He played for Brisbane from 2016 to 2019. After being delisted by Brisbane, Adelaide picked him up as a rookie in 2020.
What position does Ben Keays play?
Keays is primarily a midfielder. He’s known for his ability to play both inside and outside midfield roles.
How has Ben Keays’ career progressed at Adelaide?
Since joining Adelaide, Keays has had a career resurgence. He’s become a regular in the team’s midfield and has significantly improved his output. In 2021, he finished third in Adelaide’s best and fairest award.
What are some of Ben Keays’ strengths as a player?
Keays is known for his endurance, work rate, and ability to win contested possessions. He’s also praised for his leadership and professionalism.
Has Ben Keays won any awards?
While he hasn’t won any major AFL awards, Keays has received recognition within his club. He finished third in Adelaide’s best and fairest award in 2021 and has been part of the club’s leadership group.
What’s Ben Keays’ background in football?
Keays played junior football for Morningside in the QAFL before being drafted. He was also a member of the Brisbane Lions Academy.
How many games has Ben Keays played in the AFL?
As of the end of the 2023 season, Keays has played 114 AFL games (30 for Brisbane and 84 for Adelaide).
What’s Ben Keays’ contract status?
In July 2022, Keays signed a three-year contract extension with Adelaide, keeping him at the club until at least the end of 2025.
What’s an interesting fact about Ben Keays?
Keays has shown remarkable perseverance in his career. After being delisted by Brisbane, he worked hard to earn a spot on Adelaide’s list as a rookie and has since become one of their most consistent performers.
