Ryan O’Keefe Wants Out of Sydney

Star Sydney Swans forward Ryan O’Keefe has told the club that he wants to leave. O’Keefe who is currently out of contract has a desire to return to his home state of Victoria to continue his football career.

SYDNEY are in negotiations with star forward Ryan O’Keefe’s in a bid to talk him out of considering a return home to Melbourne, which would prompt a fierce recruiting contest between several Victorian AFL clubs. O’Keefe, 27, is out of contract and keen to return home after nine seasons with the Swans, the Ten Network reported. The Swans have offered the half-forward a three year-deal, but he is yet to sign.

But the Swans tonight refuted Ten’s report, and a club spokeswoman said O’Keefe and club officials were still in discussions with the aim of him signing a new contract.

If O’Keefe does not commit to a new deal, the availability of the 2006 All-Australian, who played in Sydney’s 2005 premiership side and has played 164 games (178 goals), would loom as one of the biggest potential trades in next week’s exchange period.

This would come as a huge blow to the Swans as other key forwards Barry Hall and Michael O’Loughlin come towards the end of their careers. No doubt all Victorian clubs will show an interest in O’Keefe and you would expect a team such as the Western Bulldogs to make a big play for him in trade week. Already the usual suspects in Carlton and Collingwood have been thrown up as a possible destination for O’Keefe with Essendon looming as a dark horse as he was originally from that area.

Do you think O’Keefe will leave Sydney? Where do you think he should or may end up? Leave us with your thoughts.