Premiership Swan announces his retirement from AFL football
NORM Smith medallist Ryan O'Keefe has officially called time on his career, retiring after 286 games and two premierships with the Sydney Swans.
O'Keefe, 33, had already severed ties with the club, having made just four senior appearances earlier this season.
Initially keen to test the waters and see if any opportunities existed elsewhere, he has now decided to draw the curtain on his playing career.
O'Keefe and fellow Swans retiree Lewis Roberts-Thomson will be now be part of Saturday's Grand Final motorcade at the MCG.
The midfielder ends his career fourth on the Swans' all-time games played list, behind only former teammates Adam Goodes (350), Jude Bolton (325) and Michael O'Loughlin (303).
He can also include an All Australian jumper and a best and fairest award in his long list of accomplishments.
Roberts-Thomson played 179 games for the Swans, including five this year, and was a key member of the 2005 and 2012 flag-winning teams.
Both players were given a lap of honour at the SCG late in the season and they will now be at the MCG for one last acknowledgement ahead of the Grand Final between the Swans and Hawthorn.
"It's fitting that two great premiership players of our club will be sent off with a lap of honour at the MCG on Grand Final day," Swans coach John Longmire said.
"Both Ryan and Lewis are life members of the Swans and were part of the 2005 and 2012 premiership success.
"Swans fans have had their chance to thank Ryan and Lewis and this is another opportunity for all football fans to thank two absolute warriors who always saved their best for September."
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