Sydney Swans midfielder Ryan O’Keefe enjoyed another consistent year with the club, and played every game in the 2013 season.

O’Keefe averaged a career-best 6.56 tackles per game in 2013, and produced 10-plus tackle hauls on four occasions this year, including an equal career-best 15 tackles in round 11 against Adelaide.

The Swans veteran also moved into second place on the club’s most finals games tally (24 finals) after overtaking Adam Goodes in this year’s finals series.

Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au, O’Keefe said he felt he successfully played his role for the Swans in 2013.

How did you sum up your season in 2013?

Losing in the preliminary final was a bit disappointing but the year as a whole was pretty positive. We got to blood a lot of new players and give them big game experience and we gave a lot of opportunities to guys that maybe wouldn’t have got it if we didn’t have so many players out.

What were some of the highlights for you this year?

Just seeing the development of those young guys and seeing them really perform. We had a fair few out this year and guys came in and really bought into what we’re about and stepped up and played really good footy, so I think it’s exciting for the future.

What has been the biggest improver?

It’s a tough one. Guys came in like Luke Parker, Dane Rampe who played really consistent years, and then Tom Mitchell came in and made an impact and Jed Lamb, Brandon Jack, so there has been a whole heap of them who have come in and impressed.

With six debutants this year, are you surprised the Swans made it as far as they did this year?

No, because I believe that we’ve got a really good list and a great game plan and great coaches and everyone has bought into it. The way we play we don’t rely on one or two players, but in saying that I think it was a pretty good achievement to get where we did this year with not just the number of players we had but with the calibre of players we had.

What about your own season, what did you make of your year?

I was happy. I played a full year and contributed and played pretty consistently and that’s what I aim to do to play consistent and do my job.

You’ve always been someone who wants to continue to improve, what do you want to work on for next season?

I might just let the season digest a little bit and I’ve got a few weeks to relax and go on holidays and then I’ll start pondering on areas I need to get better at.

What are your plans for the off-season?

I’m off to Spain on a bike trip at the end of October, so I’m really looking forward to that.