Ryan O'Keefe won't be a Swan next year

[BarneyBent]

http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/2014-08-28/ryan-moves-on

Hasn't announced his retirement, which suggests he's at the very least scouting out options for next year. Who would be interested? He's been in fantastic NEAFL form for whatever that's worth. Personally think he'd be a good fit at Melbourne, add some toughness and experience up forward and through the midfield, with a potential to transition into an assistant coaching role in 2016. Thoughts?

 

[Colonial]

Can see him at the Demons. Thats about it.

 

[Jaeger]

Wouldn't surprise if a top 6 side picked him up for a season.

 

[mike123]

He will be a Pie

 

[Danair]

Wouldn't surprise if a top 6 side picked him up for a season.

He'll be 34 next year, more likely a bottom 6 side.

 

[Jaeger]

He'll be 34 next year, more likely a bottom 6 side.

What use is he to a bottom side? He'd just be taking games off another kid.

 

[Danair]

What use is he to a bottom side? He'd just be taking games off another kid.[/

The way he played over the first few rounds of this season, not much. Maybe another mature body, on field experience/coaching.

No way he'd be best 22 in a top 6 side and I doubt he'd go around another year just to play in the 2's. Most likely he'll retire and become an assistant coach at another club.

 

[The Falcon Strike]

What use is he to a bottom side? He'd just be taking games off another kid.

A bottom 6 side (if they are full of young-uns) needs older bodies to carry some of the load.

Simply culling all of the experience and running with 22 kids can decimate a side. Having a handful of experienced elders to support the young ones coming through makes sense. People act as though "the kids" will miss games. The reality is there are a dozen spots for kids in a side like Melbourne. If they are any good they will get games.

The benefit of someone being 30+ acting in this role is that when some of those kids become mid-age stars and there are time for new kids to come on - they are goneski.

 

[NotAMagpieBogan]

He will be a Pie

I'd be very happy if it were so.

 

[Theprofessional]

Ryan O'Keefe has been a gun for many years at the Swans, it does seem he's a bit past it. His reserves form has been good, I think he could certainly play a role or help out a young team. He's always been an amazing trainer, great leader and a total professional and he can still win a lot of the ball just lacks pace. A side needing an inside midfielder could do worse than having him, or a team needing experience/a good leader.

Think Collingwood (Luke Ball retiring, culture change), GWS (Experienced Body can play variety of positions) and Melbourne would be places that could use him.

 

[slowedawg]

I'd love him at the Dees, but surely at 34 and with a stellar career behind him, he wouldn't want to do a Shannon Byrnes and come to us.

 

[RUNVS]

O'Keefe is physically done. I loved him as a player and he seems like a good person but he also seems like one of those players that refuses to admit that he isn't the player he once was.