It has been a big transition for the 18-year-old. He has moved from home town Wodonga to Melbourne and is currently living with his sister in Hawthorn. O'Keefe is juggling university studies and football, however the current focus is on the latter of the two. ""Training hasn't been too bad - I just consider it as a full-time job and take it as it comes each week,"" the ruckman said. ""With all the specialised training this year, all areas of my game have improved, particularly my ruck work. I have also gained weight and lost fat so it has been good for my strength because I am trying to get as big as I can with as little fat.""
O'Keefe has been lucky this season with the ruck talent around the club. Combine Paul Salmon, Steve Alessio and David Hille and ruck coach John Barnes – O’Keefe has over 600 games of experience to learn from. ""I have learnt a great deal from the three ruckmen at Windy Hill especially with John Barnes as ruck coach as well. They have all been a really big help. I have played in a couple of VFL matches with Barnsey and he helps me out during the match with my game and even my confidence,"" said 198cm-tall O'Keefe.
O'Keefe is improving with each VFL match he plays - he is positioning himself around the ground better and is confidently taking marks. He said that VFL coach Terry Daniher has also been a catalyst to his improved performance. ""Terry (Daniher) gives every player a really good go and he is really approachable. Mark Bolton has also been a big help - he has been a good friend and is always available if I need advice,"" O'Keefe said.
What David Flood says:
Simon O'Keefe has found the transition from country life to city life a little bit difficult on occasions. He is starting to adjust and handle the pressures of playing AFL footy. He is slowly maturing and we are not expecting results out of him tomorrow - he is a long term prospect for us, but in some games he has shown good footy instincts and has a footy brain. He has missed some games this year but we see his first year as a settling in year - get a feel for the club and AFL footy. Sometimes bigger guys take a few more years to develop.
