Ryan O'Keefe has re-signed with Sydney until the end of 2014. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun
NORM Smith Medallist Ryan O'Keefe has inked a new deal with Sydney, admitting he rebuffed opposition offers to extend his contract until the end of 2014.
The Swans midfield star split the Grand Final apart with 28 possessions and 15 tackles goals, and says despite just turning 32 he could play on until he is 35 or older.
And as the Swans defend their extra salary cap dispensation, O'Keefe said critics had no idea of the sacrifices made by the Sydney players to keep a successful list together.
O'Keefe would be an unrestricted free agent given his loyalty to Sydney, and despite his age would be hot property in the open market as a veteran like Brian Lake brought in to top up a flag contender.
But O'Keefe negotiated the deal himself with Sydney football manager Dean Moore, and says he has no plans for retirement.
"I'm just excited. We have got a great group of players here and I am really enjoying my footy, so be able to keep playing here is pretty exciting for me,'' he told the Herald Sun.
"Obviously people (from other clubs) inquire and say, "What do you think,'' but when it came down to it I didn't even flirt down that path, and I am really happy to be a one-club player now.
"The club and the guys we have here, it's a really exciting place for the older guys like myself, and I just want to keep playing as long as I can.''
O'Keefe had negotiated his last two deals personally with Moore, although management firm MVP handles his corporate and media work.
The Norm Smith Medal must be a fair bargaining chip when negotiating your own deal?
"It doesn't hurt too much,'' he joked.
After overcoming groin issues in 2010 he says he feels like he is still in his mid-20s and will put no end-date on his career.
"Everyone gets hung up on age. I have always believed age is only a number. The power of the mind is where it's at. Look at Dustin Fletcher, he's 38 and still going. Ryan Giggs is 39 (and just signed a new deal).
"I will keep playing as long as I can, and as long as the coaches are happy with what I am doing, I would love to keep playing on.''
He says the cost-of-living pressures in Sydney were insane, as Greater Western Sydney prepares a submission which would increase the 9.8 per cent allocation also given to the Swans.
"Living here everything is expensive - food, coffee, parking and accommodation is ridiculous. Sydney is the third-most expensive city in the world. When you look at guys who come up here, in any other state they would have already bought a house but up here they are still renting. If you want to live in the eastern suburbs in Sydney, you are starting at a million dollars.
"You look at every good side over time, there is a bit of give and take and sacrifice (with contracts), and they are the things you are willing to do to keep that team together.''
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