Sydney Swans midfielder Ryan O’Keefe will be keeping his feet firmly grounded ahead of next Saturday’s AFL Grand Final.

The Swans booked their place in the Grand Final after a 26-point victory over Collingwood on Friday night, which also broke an 11-game losing streak against the Pies.

O’Keefe, who is one of just a handful of Swans who featured in the team’s last Grand Final appearance in 2006, said he will be preparing for next week’s decider like any other game.

“I think you’ve just got to prepare for the game as normal,” O’Keefe said at Swans recovery at the SCG on Saturday morning.

“It is just another game so you’ve got to keep your feet grounded and prepare and do the preparation we’ve done all year, that’s the main thing.

“It doesn’t come around very often and we’re just really pleased that all the hard work that we’ve put in has shown some sort of reward for us.

“But there is one game to go so we really need to make sure we focus on that.”

More than half of the Swans team that took the field at ANZ Stadium last night will play in their first ever AFL Grand Final next weekend.

O’Keefe, who had 34 possessions, 11 tackles and kicked a goal in the Preliminary Final win, said his advice for younger Swans players ahead of next Saturday’s final game would be to soak up the atmosphere.

“You also should enjoy it. I think probably it’s until you get down to the parade, it doesn’t hit you until then and the enormity of what it is,” he said.

“As long as you enjoy it and don’t let a moment like this go past, because it doesn’t come around very often.”

A lot has changed for O’Keefe since his last Grand Final appearance, with the 31-year-old, who played a forward role in the decider six years ago, is now a key link in the Swans’ midfield.

O’Keefe said the changes he’s made in his game over the years will better prepare him for this upcoming Grand Final opportunity.

“Things happen for a reason,” he said.

“I started off and got drafted to the club as a half-back flanker and then found my spot as a half-forward flanker and then decided I wanted a change, and the game’s evolved.

“I think you learn with the experience of everything you do, and things happen for a reason and I’m glad I’ve had that journey.

“I’m enjoying playing with the bunch of guys and everyone is enjoying their footy.

“Obviously when you’re winning it makes it a lot easier, but I just like getting amongst the action and I love when it gets physical and I’m really relishing my role and enjoying it.”

O’Keefe confirmed that the Swans pulled up well from Friday night’s contest, and said injured Swan Ben McGlynn was likely to push for selection next weekend.

“I think everyone has come through pretty healthy, so it will probably be a lighter week on the track and we’ll get ready for Saturday,” he said.

“(McGlynn) has got to get through training this week, but he seems pretty confident.”