MAROON-grown midfielder Ben Keays is set for a baptism of fire when he makes his AFL debut against high-flying Sydney at the Gabba on Sunday.

Keays, 19, has been rewarded with a senior call-up after being a ball-magnet for the Lions’ reserves in the NEAFL.

The Morningside junior was a two-time under-18 All-Australian and won the Harrison Medal for the best division two player at the national championships last year.

The Lions Academy graduate was taken by Brisbane at pick No.24 in last year’s draft and his silky skills and tireless work ethic have made him a standout in the reserves.

Round 18

He had 19 touches and three goals as a defensive forward for the Lions in their three-point loss to Aspley last week.

It was enough to convince Brisbane to give Keays a chance at the top level with small forward Josh Green set to miss the next couple of weeks with a rib injury.

Ben Keays (left) with fellow Brisbane draftee Eric Hipwood. Picture: Darren England Source: News Corp Australia

“Ben has been knocking on the door for a long time now,’’ Lions coach Justin Leppitsch said.

“He’s been getting a heap of the ball in the reserves through the midfield but we asked him to play a role up forward last week.

“That’s what got him over the line. He was highly competitive, put pressure on, got plenty of touches and kicked goals.

“We couldn’t ask for more.

“We see him as a midfielder long-term because he is an elite runner but right now we need him to play that defensive forward role for us.’’

Meanwhile, Gold Coast midfield stars Dion Prestia and Michael Rischitelli are set to miss the clash with Geelong in Geelong on Saturday night.

Michael Rischitelli is dragged to the ground by Andrew Swallow. Picture: Adam Head Source: News Corp Australia

Prestia missed last week’s loss to North Melbourne because of illness and a shoulder problem while Rischitelli subluxed his shoulder in a marking contest with Kangaroos captain Andrew Swallow and has had scans to determine the extent of the damage.

The Suns midfield is already without David Swallow (knee) and Jaeger O’Meara (knee) with key defenders Steve May (suspended) and Rory Thompson (ankle) also sidelined while Adam Saad (hip) is also in some doubt for this weekend.

Mackenzie Willis and rookie Darcy MacPherson are now poised to make their senior debuts.

Brisbane have advertised for a CEO for its women’s team in next year’s national competition.