Games: 0
Goals:0
Kicks: 0
Marks:0
Handballs:0

The Fan's Rating: 2.9/10

Some of what the fans had to say:

""Have not seen much of him at senior level time will tell.""
""With Essendon desperately needing a ruckman Simon has a great opportunity to stick his hand up for a senior position.""
""Played a full year in the seconds and will have gained a lot from that experience. Should get his chance next season at senior level.""
""Still very early in his development, next year will be crucial. Still needs to develop his body and ruck skills if he is to make it.""
""May develop, but needs to be given some experience at senior level.""
""Simon will be looking to break into the senior team in 2003, with his sheer size likely to push his name forward as a ruck option for the now big-man light Dons team.""
""An obvious talent. Simon played very well for the VFL side but need's a better oppurtunity next year, he is probably ready now.""
""Still desperate for a ruckman so I guess his time will come, hope he learnt all he could from the Fish.""

The wash up:
The Essendon fan's didn't see much of O'Keefe in 2002, so found it hard to comment on his form. However, they do believe that 2003 is a good opportunity for him to put his hand up and break into the senior line-up as another ruck option. The fan's also believe that O'Keefe should have gained a lot of confidence and skill from playing a full year in the reserves.

What Mark Harvey has to say:
You can't expect too much from a young ruckman in his first year of AFL footy. This year was basically a development year for Simon and hopefully he has understood the system and worked out what he has to do to play league footy. He has sat back and analysed all the seniors and the preparation they do. I guess from an educational point of view he would have learnt a hell of a lot and now he has to put his best foot forward in his pre-season and push up for senior selection - in a role that is up fro grabs! If he is prepared to put in the work and understand the game, there is no reason why he shouldn't play senior footy next season.