Teacher Tom reaches 150 games

By ZAC MILBANK

West Adelaide captain Tom Keough is eagerly imparting his knowledge to the next generation as he prepares to celebrate his 150th Hostplus SANFL League game on Saturday.

A physical education teacher by trade, the 30-year-old is embracing his role as club captain despite the steep learning curve being faced by the inexperienced playing group at Hisense Stadium.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the premiership defender said his profession off the field had certainly assisted with his role on the field as he battles to help the Bloods recapture the form displayed in their glorious 2015 campaign.

Keough, a vital member in the drought-breaking flag as a key backman, remembers only too well the lessons he learned upon arrival at Richmond as a wide-eyed teenager from Pinnaroo in the Under-17s.

Having also spent a season in the AFL system – with the Gold Coast Suns – in 2016, the versatile utility is quick to let the club’s juniors know what standards must be met to perform in the Hostplus SANFL League.

Preparing to tackle Glenelg at ACH Group Stadium in his milestone match, Keough is enjoying his role as a key forward under current coach Brad Gotch, averaging 14.5 disposals and 5.6 marks in 2022.