Ryan O'Keefe
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| Personal Info | |
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| Birth | 24 January 1981, ? |
| Recruited from | Strathmore/Calder Cannons |
| Height/Weight | 190cm / 88kg |
| Playing Career¹ | |
| Debut | Round 10, 14 May 2000, Sydney Swans vs. Western Bulldogs, at Sydney Cricket Ground |
| Team(s) | Sydney Swans (2000-)
93 games, 98 goals |
| ¹ Statistics to end of 2005 season | |
| Career Highlights | |
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Ryan O'Keefe (born 24 January 1981) is an Australian Football League player with the Sydney 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, and can often be seen deep in the backline one minute, and then sprinting into the forward 50 the next. 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.
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[edit] Early Tragedy
When Ryan was completing his education he sadly lost his younger brother Aaron in a tragic car accident.
[edit] 2005
Ryan O'Keefe was educated at St Kevins' College in Melbourne.
He was picked up by Sydney as number 56 in the 1999 AFL Draft.
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. In the same year, he represented Australia in the International Rules series.
[edit] 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 awarded to the Best and Fairest player within the Sydney Swans. He tied with one of the co-captains, Brett Kirk, and came second to the player who would go on to win the Brownlow Medal, which is awarded to the Best and Fairest player in the competition.
