The countdown to season 2002 is on in earnest with the Wizard Cup competition now in full swing. In our continuing Engine Room series we look at the senior listed players and pin-point their roles in the upcoming season. Today we take a look at SIMON O'KEEFE. At 199cm, O'Keefe certainly has the height to make it as a ruckman and physically he isn't far away either. His pre-season has been anything but perfect. A thigh injury has seen him sidelined for much of it and while other young draftees have been getting their chance at senior level, O'Keefe has had to watch from the sidelines.

At 17, O'Keefe was a selection for the future at the 2001 draft. O'Keefe, along with David Hille, holds the long-term key to the Bombers ruck division. O'Keefe showed himself to be an excellent competitor at under 18 level - he particularly impressed with his second efforts, indicating his work ethic is at the right level.

What will his role be on match day?

O'Keefe will ruck in the VFL side along with David Hille and rookie Marcus Kenny. As terry daniher has done with David Hille in the past, he may be asked to play loose across the half back line after the centre square contest to help him learn to read the game. He will also push forward ocassionally but it is very much an education process in 2002.

What will the coaching staff expect of him on match day?

The coaching staff know O'Keefe is a long-term project but they will want to see him still make significant improvement this season. They will want him to get his hands on the football first and learn from the more experienced ruckman around the club. As the season wears on the coaches will want to see him put himself in the right position in ruck contests and run to the right places.