When Ben Keays first arrived at West Lakes, desperate to make the most of his rookie lifeline, he set one overarching goal for himself – continuous improvement.

“I don’t want to stagnate, I want to keep improving,” Keays told AFC Media in December. 

“I just want to keep improving every session, every week and see where we go from there.”

Seven months on, Keays has carved a niche for himself in Adelaide’s engine room on the back of hard work and a selfless attitude.

He is looking more comfortable each week, playing his best game for the Crows in Monday night’s loss to St Kilda with 23 disposals, a team-high seven clearances, four inside 50s and a goal.

04:57

Ben Keays Post-Match: R7

Ben Keays speaks with AFC media after the round 7 clash with the Saints.

Speaking post-game, Keays’ mindset of continuous improvement remained ever-present.

“It is satisfying (to find form), but you don’t feel that out there when the result doesn’t go your way,” Keays said post-game.

“We’re desperate to get a W and I definitely am as well. It’s gonna come. 

I’m going to keep building, and the boys are going to keep building and we’re getting closer and closer every day.

- Ben Keays

The Queenslander went head-to-head with electric Saints midfielder Jade Gresham, working hard defensively for four quarters on his assigned task. 

Keays revealed he made important adjustments from the week prior where he nullified Eagles wingman Andrew Gaff, with an emphasis on providing more attack for his side. 

“He (Gresham) is one of those midfielders that’s so good in the attacking zone and he does a quick change and goes and plays forward, so that was pretty hard for me to adjust but around the middle we had a good battle,” Keays said.

“Tried my best not to get dictated by them, we want to win the footy ourselves so that’s an adjustment for me. 

“I think last week I was pretty defensive, so this week I tried to be a little more offensive and help out our boys in the middle. 

“I’m still building my craft in there. Obviously it’s going to take a while but I’m enjoying it so far and enjoying the challenge.”

01:08

RAA Tuesday Wrap: R7

What's your favourite moment from the Round 7 clash against St Kilda? McAsey's courageous grab? Our 17 second goal in the 2nd? Or Tex's unpaid one-hander?

With a six-day turnaround until Adelaide’s Round Eight clash with Essendon, Keays said it was critical the playing group continued to work hard. 

“We’ve got to find the time to put work into our game, as we’ve been doing since we’ve come back,” he said. 

“The boys are hungry. A lot are doing extras, finding time. On the day off there’s a lot of boys doing stuff.

“We’ll look after ourselves but we’re also trying to put the work in as much as possible.”