Ryan O'Keefe says Sydney can benefit greatly with the possible inclusion of power forward Kurt Tippett. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun
AT Bondi yesterday, the AFL premiership cup was just out of reach of these nippers and still safely in the hands of Norm Smith medallist Ryan O'Keefe.
Just how do we keep it there? Well, the possible arrival of Kurt Tippett would be a massive plus for the club, the Swans star said yesterday.
"He's a big guy who can pinch hit in the ruck and provide a target up forward," O'Keefe said.
"I think structurally we would do really well."
Tippett's immediate playing future remains in the balance pending the outcome of Friday's AFL Commission hearing into the Adelaide Crows' salary cap rortings.
The Swans have already come to terms with the power forward agreeing to a $3.5 million deal over four seasons.
Many in the AFL believe this is way over the odds for his playing talent but it's what Tippett can offer to his teammates which has O'Keefe excited about the prospect of playing alongside the big man.
"He'll help the development of a guy like Sam Reid," Tippett said. "Sam will draw confidence that he's got another big body there and you've got Goodsey there as well who will benefit."
Should Tippett end up wearing the red and white, O'Keefe says all that will be asked is for him to play the role assigned him by John Longmire.
"We're not expecting him to come here and be best on ground," O'Keefe said.
"He doesn't have to come here and be best on ground. He doesn't have to play the game of his life every week.
"He just has to come here and play a role that's the way we play it."
O'Keefe still has a couple more weeks off before he starts preparations for his 15th season in the AFL.
But the Swans youngsters will return to the training track this week as the club goes in search of back-to-back titles.
Sydney came within a single point of achieving the rare double when they were beaten by West Coast Eagles in the 2006 grand final.
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