- Ryan O'Keefe
Infobox afl player NEW
playername = Ryan O'Keefe
fullname = Ryan O'Keefe
image capt =
birthdate = birth date and age|1981|1|24|df=y
birthplace = ?
originalteam = Strathmore/Calder Cannons
draftpick = 56th overall, 1999
AFL Syd
heightweight = 190cm / 88kg
position = Midfielder, Forward
dead = alive
deathdate =
deathplace =
currentclub = AFL Syd
guernsey = 5
years = 2000-present
clubs = AFL Syd
games(goals) = 164 (178)
sooyears = 2008
sooteams = flagicon|Victoria Victoria
soogames(goals) = 1 (1)
nationalyears =
nationalteams =
nationalgames(goals) =
coach = notcoach
coachyears =
coachclubs =
coachgames(wins) =
statsend = 2008
careerhighlights =
*TAC Cup Team of the Year 1999
*International Rules Series 2005, 2006 (Jim Stynes Medal 2006)
*Sydney Swans Premiership player
*All-Australian 2006Ryan O'Keefe (born 24 January 1981) is an
Australian Football League player with theSydney Swans , and part of the Swans' 2005 premiership-winning side.O'Keefe was a member of the 2006 All-Australian side and is one of Sydney's key forwards. He is known for his superb fitness and running ability, as well as his strong marking overhead. He is among the very best in the AFL in terms of ground coverage. It is these abilities that have made up for his slight lack of height and speed, which were obstacles early in his career. He is also a terrific left-foot kick, which has served him well since he transformed from a defender to a forward early in his career with the Swans.
Early career
Ryan O'Keefe was educated at
St Kevin's College inMelbourne .He was picked up by Sydney as number 56 in the
1999 AFL Draft . But didn't make his mark until season 2004 when shifted from defence to attack.2005
His improvement over the 2004-2005 seasons was so dramatic he gained a reputation as one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition, yet his under-rated status still continues as he is often undervalued as a footballer. O'Keefe played all 26 games in 2005, having a particularly brilliant finals series, and played one of the best Games of his career in the preliminary final against the Saints . O'Keefe was apart of the Swans' Premiership side of that year. However, O'Keefe was reported in an incident involving Kangaroos defender
Jess Sinclair in round 21, however he was cleared.In the same year, he represented Australia in theInternational Rules series.2006
In 2006, he made
All-Australian selection, and was once again selected to represent Australia in the International Rules series. He had a terrific series, scoring more points than any other player. He was awarded the Jim Stynes medal for the best Australian player in the series.He came equal second in the running for the
Bob Skilton Medal, which is annually awarded to the Best and Fairest player at the Sydney Swans, to one of their 3 Co-Captains in Brett Kirk2007
Unlike seasons 2005 and 2006, the Swans became sluggish and their trade mark Composure under pressure was deteriorating, despite this O'Keefe backed up his
All-Australian form of 2006 with a memorable performance through the 07 season, once again finishing second in the votes for theBob Skilton medal behindBrett Kirk who also was one of few shining lights for the Swans.2008
After a strong start to the season, increased pressure was placed on O'Keefe following the injury/suspension of main forward target
Barry Hall . O'Keefe also played for the Victorian team for the one-off match in May, but instead of wearing his normal #5, he wore #1. He is likely to gain that number jersey whenBarry Hall retires.Following the 2008 Grand Final, O'Keefe signalled his intentions to continue his career elsewhere, specifically in Victoria - his place of birth, after knocking back a three-year contract offer by the Swans, it is rumored that he is set to join reining premiers Hawthorn. Talks are currently going through in trade week between sydney and hawthorn. Sydney and Hawthorn failed to come to an agreement. O'Keefe is yet to make a decision on whether or not to nominate for the pre-season draft.
eason Statistics
2008
Personal life
In March 2002, Ryan sadly lost his younger brother Aaron in a tragic
car accident .On the 12th January 2008, O'Keefe married Tara Duggan.External links
*sydplayer|ref=14174
* [http://www.afljsquad.com.au/?id=242&cid=294 Profile]
* [http://www.smh.com.au/news/afl/okeefe-puts-grief-to-side/2005/08/19/1124435146231.html Australian newspaper article]
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