The club’s 2009 best and fairest winner has enjoyed a move into the midfield and promises he will make an even bigger impact next year.
And he says the club will be doing the same. After finishing 12th this season, some pundits might expect the Swans to slide again but O’Keefe says an intense pre-season and an influx of new players has rejuvenated the team.
“We’ve had our down year, 2009 was our down year and that is as far as we’re going!’’ O’Keefe said.
“I’m really excited. I think we’ve got a really good, healthy list with a lot of depth and there is going to be fierce competition for spots in our team.
“I think we’re going to be the dark horse of the competition, I think we’re going to go about our business and we’re going to be under-estimated by a lot of people.’’
O’Keefe loves a challenge, and he took on a big one in 2009 when he gave up his role as a roaming half-forward flanker to move into the centre square set-up.
He says the shift gave him a spark, and he will only get better in 2010.
“It was the change I needed. Stepping into the midfield, I wasn’t going to be the number one midfielder, which suited my personality. I like to have something to challenge me, a carrot. I am very determined that way.
“So the change in the midfield was the best thing for me. I’ve got so much enthusiasm, I feel I can get better and that makes me really excited,’’ he said.
O’Keefe believes the Swans’ midfield as a whole will be improved by the addition of big-bodied former Hawthorn players Ben McGlynn and Josh Kennedy, as well as the speed of draftees Lewis Jetta and Byron Sumner.
“Outside speed is something we lacked in a few games in 2009, we got found wanting with a bit of leg speed. We’ve got enough grunt in there and enough class, and now we’ve added that speed which will hopefully improve us,’’ he said.
O’Keefe has had his hands full during the off-season. Wife Tara gave birth to their son, Levi, in early September.
“Fatherhood has given me a whole different look on life and made me a happier person. I can’t get the smile off my face,’’ Ryan said.
“He’s a very happy and content baby. He’s a good eater and sleeper - he takes after me!’’
