2002: O’Keefe’s first season at AFL level wasn’t ideal with injury seeing him spend more than half the season on the sidelines. But when he finally made it onto the park, the coaching panel was impressed with what it saw – particularly after he got some much needed football under his belt. As his confidence grew he began to get his hands on the ball more and give his side’s midfielders first use. His reading of the play improved and he became more efficient with his running.

Strengths: For a player so young and with so much developing to do, it is difficult to say what will be his strength but as it stands his size and second efforts are both strong points. His body is still developing but he certainly has the height to compete with most. And for a big player his efforts at ground level are excellent. He follows up his ruck contests.

Position: Really only the ruck at this stage although he is certain to be asked to push into the forward line in VFL games. His height will stretch opposition sides down back and a few goals might see him graduate into a similar role at senior level.

2003: The most important thing is that O’Keefe gets a full season under his belt. The majority will certainly be at VFL level and if he starts to put some pressure on senior ruckman that will be a bonus for Essendon. It will be another important season in the development of O’Keefe and he needs to make genuine improvement – few clubs have the ability to tinker with long-term prospects anymore. They need results and they will want to see some from O’Keefe in 2003 – he is more than capable of providing them.

Kevin Sheedy says: Simon has been injured over the summer but is coming back well. If he wants to become a top ruckman he will need to set himself some goals and work harder on his game, but if he can develop some aggression we will see a very different player emerge. He could play league football this year – but that depends on his dedication and aspirations.