As Lachlan Keeffe prepares for his 17th season in the AFL, the veteran defender has taken a moment to reflect on some of the toughest players he has faced throughout his career. Having played for both the Collingwood Magpies and the GWS Giants, Keeffe has matched up against some of the league’s greatest talents. Recently, he shared the three opponents who challenged him the most on the field, each bringing a unique set of skills that made them formidable competitors.
Keeffe, who was drafted in the 2009 Rookie Draft and has played 116 AFL games, highlighted former St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt as his toughest opponent. He described Riewoldt as an incredible athlete with an unmatched work ethic, always pushing himself to the limit in every contest. According to Keeffe, Riewoldt’s relentless drive and leadership made him a nightmare to defend against, as he combined elite endurance with a strong determination to impact every game he played.
Another name that stood out was Lance “Buddy” Franklin, widely regarded as one of the most dominant forwards of his era. Keeffe emphasized Franklin’s unique ability to score from anywhere on the field, making him an unpredictable and nearly unstoppable force. He recalled that playing against Franklin required complete concentration, as even the slightest lapse in focus could result in a game-changing moment. “You’re at the mercy of how he’s feeling,” Keeffe admitted, acknowledging Franklin’s rare ability to dictate a game on his own terms.
The third player Keeffe mentioned was Kurt Tippett, a powerful key forward who presented a different kind of challenge. While not as widely celebrated as Riewoldt or Franklin, Tippett was a physically imposing player with strong hands and impressive agility for his size. Keeffe noted that Tippett’s ability to move well for a big man made him a difficult matchup, as he combined strength with solid footwork to gain an edge over defenders.
Keeffe’s reflections offer valuable insight into the level of competition in the AFL and the challenges defenders face when going up against some of the game’s best players. As he gears up for another season, his experience and knowledge of the game continue to be an asset for the GWS Giants.