Ryan O'Keefe enjoyed a decorated 15-year career with the Sydney Swans which included two premiership wins, a Norm Smith Medal and a best and fairest award.

The strongly-built left-footer was a popular midfielder in his playing days for his aggressive style, marking ability and great goal sense which also made him a tough match-up for opposition coaches.

After retiring from the game in September last year, O'Keefe's next challenge begins as Adelaide's new midfield development coach.

We spoke with the former Swan on how he was settling in to life on the other side of the magnet board...

How have you found the transition from player to coach?
“It’s been an eye-opener. It’s a big learning curve coming from a player to a coach with the different roles and commitments of coaching. I sometimes feel like the new kid at school and I’m still trying to be like a sponge and absorb everything. As a player you can complain or misunderstand certain things, but when you’re sitting on the other side of the desk you get a bit more of an appreciation of the work that goes on behind the scenes. But I’ve been enjoying it all and I’m happy I’ve made that step.”

Has coaching always been an aspiration?
“Yes, I’ve always wanted to remain involved in the game. It’s something that I planned during my playing days and I got my coaching accreditation and certificates while I was still a player. It’s something I always thought I’d enjoy and I think I’ve made the right decision so far.”

Can you explain your midfield development role in more detail?
“Basically it’s to help Scott Camporeale with anything required to improve our midfield. I also work closely with our younger development guys as well as our SANFL team. That also includes our development squad trainings. I’m looking forward to seeing our state league team actually play and getting all the players mixed together to see how they gel.”

How have the players fared this pre-season?
“They’re a great group and they’ve been set a lot of challenges this pre-season. Everything we’ve thrown at them they’ve just accepted. We felt we needed to push them and challenge them to get us to a point so we can be ready to attack this season. We can’t fault the character of the group. It’s been quite impressive.”

What are the biggest things you’ve brought over from the strong culture at the Swans?
“Honest hard work. It’s that willingness to work hard and do the little things that others think don’t matter - that’s the backbone of any good organisation. You have to be honest with each other and trust that your teammate will do the hard yards with you, and that trust is something you earn by working hard together consistently over a period of time. All you want from a player and a teammate is effort. You’ll never get asked to do something that is totally beyond your capabilities. The boys have really embraced that and hopefully it reaps rewards once the season starts.”

We’ve got some great young midfielders at the Club. How are they progressing?
“There’s been a few who have really enjoyed the build up. I don’t really want to single anyone out, as they’ve all been really good in their own regard. It’s been a good group to work with.”

How much involvement will you have with our SANFL team during the year?
“Quite a bit. I’m looking forward to seeing what the standard is, as I havent’ seen a whole lot of SANFL footy. Everyone talks it up as a high standard and one of the best state league competitions in the country. I’m keen to sink my teeth into the games in a few weeks time.”

You were a versatile midfielder/forward in your playing days, and Walshy wants his players to be dynamic. How can players become more multi-dimensional?
“Sometimes guys can get pigeon-holed into one position or become one type of player and that isn’t in the team’s best interests and it can even get a bit boring for the player himself! You’ve just got to take a new role or position as another challenge. If you have to play somewhere you’re not too used to, just try to do your best and know you’re playing your role for the team. Instead of being intimidated by it, players need to try to embrace and enjoy that challenge.”

You seem to enjoy your cycling these days, has that always been a passion?
“I’ve always been into cycling, and now I’ve got the opportunity to do it even more. I ride every day to and from work and would probably get over 500km in the legs every week. I needed another outlet since I stopped playing. I’ve really enjoyed being able to challenge myself in a new way.”

You also join the players in a lot of the drills, including grappling, match-sim and in the gym. What’s the banter been like?
“I think I’m still able to hold my own against the boys. I haven’t fallen away that fast just yet! It gets the juices flowing and then I start thinking ‘yeah, I could make a comeback’ but I’m pretty happy with what I’m doing now.”