Reborn O'Keefe wins Norm Smith Medal

Updated September 29, 2012 21:05:31

The man who did more than any other on Saturday to ensure Sydney would win a fifth premiership could easily have been playing for the opposition.

Four years ago, Ryan O'Keefe told then-Swans coach Paul Roos he wanted to move back to his home state of Victoria.

Hawthorn were foremost among the clubs interested in securing his services.

But when a suitable trade could not be agreed, O'Keefe took it on the chin and signed a new four-year deal with Sydney.

The following year, his transformation from talented half-forward to tough-as-teak midfielder began in earnest.

It was a change in role which reached its high point at the MCG on Saturday as O'Keefe amassed 28 possessions and 15 tackles - five more than any other player on the ground - as the Swans claimed an upset 10-point win over Hawthorn.

His effort was enough to claim the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground.

"This year we have always been about the 22 players - it's never been about individuals," said the 31-year-old O'Keefe, one of only four Swans to have played in the 2005 and 2012 flag-winning teams.

"Today was just the perfect example of that.

"Everyone played their role, cracked in and really dug in when the Hawks had the momentum.

"We always knew Hawthorn were going to give us a red hot contest and to our boys' credit we just kept digging in.

"We got the momentum, then they got the momentum.

"We just knew that's the way the game was going to pan out all day."

O'Keefe now sits fifth on Sydney's all-time games list, having pulled on the red and white guernsey 257 times since making his debut back in 2000.

And he is already looking forward to 2013 - and beyond - as a key cog in the Swans' engine room.

"I enjoy getting in amongst it where the action is and being physical," he said.

"I'm just really enjoying my footy at the moment and my coach has given me the confidence just to back myself."

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, melbourne-3000, vic, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted September 29, 2012 20:51:25

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Smith rested, Hunt back for Suns

Posted June 15, 2011 16:49:00

Gold Coast's classy young ruckman Zac Smith will be rested and code-hopper Karmichael Hunt is set to be recalled for Saturday's match with Hawthorn in Launceston.

Smith's demotion stems from the Suns' revolving door selection policy to prevent their large contingent of youngsters becoming battle-weary.

However, Hunt's recall after just one match is for slightly differing reasons and ahead of time.

The former NRL star was set to play up to three matches in the seconds to get a taste of midfield action.

However, Hunt performed well above expectations last week and, with the Suns' reserves having a bye and a number of players in doubt because of injury, coach Guy McKenna was seriously thinking of giving him a recall.

"He's been averaging three kicks and five handballs (in the seniors) and he went back into the seconds and performed really well and did everything we asked," McKenna said.

"He could probably do with another couple of weeks (in the seconds) and we know he's not going to be perfect, but he's got a great attitude, performed well and certainly given himself a big chance to play."

Smith's season has been nothing short of spectacular and he is considered a big chance to win the AFL's Rising Star award.

However, being the number one ruckman has taken its toll on the 21-year-old, who has a minor ankle ailment and a sore hamstring.

"Zac Smith won't train and won't play," McKenna said.

"There's not much point in risking him much further.

"He's a bit sore in the hamstring.

"Maybe the wear and tear is starting to bite into him."

McKenna says veteran Josh Fraser will have to carry the ruck division against the Hawks, with another first-year player Dan Gorringe as his deputy.

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, carrara-4211

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Young Smith a rising Sun

Posted May 10, 2011 11:36:00

Young Gold Coast ruckman Zac Smith has been selected as the round seven Rising Star nominee after playing a key role in the Suns' gripping victory over new rivals the Lions.

The 21-year-old, 205 centimetre ruckman had 22 disposals and seven marks in the eight-point win at the Gabba, the Gold Coast's second victory for the season.

Suns coach Guy McKenna says Smith has shown on multiple occasions this season why he is considered to be a vital piece in the Suns' rapid development.

"Zac has worked extremely hard since arriving at the club three years ago and I have seen him learn and grow into the exciting player that he is becoming," McKenna said.

"He has been playing AFL for just over five years now, and in his previous two seasons with the club, through under 18's and in the VFL, he won our most professional player award, setting a great example for his team-mates to follow."

Smith joins fellow young starlet Brandon Matera in being nominated for the award.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, qld, carrara-4211

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