PAUL Roos has paid tribute to forward Ryan O'Keefe, who is set to play his 150th AFL game this weekend against Port Power.

Roos said O’Keefe was an outstanding player and was recognised as such in the recent Hall of Fame tribute match.

 “He works very hard at his craft and is extremely professional. He got his just reward by being picked in the Victorian side [for the Hall of Fame Tribute match], which is a great accolade," Roos said on Thursday.

Aside from the grand finals of 2005 and ’06, "Pebbles" as the blond forward is nicknamed – also rates representative footy as a highlight in his career.

“I think playing rep footy for Australia and Victoria were great honours.

“I had a few injuries early on and a few things happened. And probably at one stage I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to be here.

“It's a bit of a reality check how times go so quickly. You've got to make the most of your opportunities. But still, 150, it's a great honour.”

O'Keefe, who was a fourth round draft pick in 1999 (no. 56 overall), played all 23 games last season and led the side for inside-50 possessions (92) and took 121 marks.

“He plays his role every week and he's a good competitor," added Roos.

As for the current forward structure, O'Keefe, 27, is relishing having a big body in Henry Playfair in the forward six.

“Henry's been great. He competes well and he's another big body. Without having Barry [Hall] there, it's really freed up the smaller guys who can do some crumbing and he's really fitted in well.

“And when Barry does come back, that'll be an even bigger bonus. Barry, Henry and also Mick [O'Loughlin] so there's three marking forwards which will obviously free me up.

"And guys like Amon Buchanan, Jarred Moore and these guys can be more attacking on the ground.”