Page 621 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

The 34-year-old informed club president Don Browne-Kerr jnr and the players of his decision at last
Thursday night's best and fairest count at Merv Hughes Oval — just five days after spearheading the
Magpies to the 2000 premiership.

The news has sent shockwaves around the Western Region Football League.

But O'Keeffe is adamant his decision did not shock Browne-Kerr and his fellow club powerbrokers.

“I think everyone has a lifespan at a club," the former Footscray player said.

"My time is up there. I'm happy with them and I'm sure they're happy with me.

"Some people were sad, some people were happy."

O'Keeffe is eyeing a possible assistant coaching role with the Western Jets in the TAC Cup U18
competition or with Williamstown or Werribee in the VFL.

"I'd like to coach as high as I could." he said. "It's been great there (at Parkside). But it's the right
time to move on."

O'Keeffe departs in style. He admits the excitement of playing in his first senior premiership
"probably hasn't sunk in yet". "It probably will in a few years time to be honest," he said.

O'Keeffe proved an inspiration to his players by recovering from a serious facial injury early in the
year to win the club's goalkicking and play a key role in the premiership triumph.

It's believed Browne-Kerr jnr will sound out the club's revered 1996 premiership coach Larry
Simmons and former great Anthony Alessio this week.

Highly-rated assistant coach Michael Shepperbottom will also be interviewed for the top job.

O'Keeffe has indicated he wants to play a role in the selection process.

Meanwhile, dazzling wingman Sami Cukovic has won the club's best and fairest award in a thrilling a
vote count from on-bailer Stephen Zavalas and centre half-back Sedat Sir.

Interestingly, star utility Sami Sir was joint winner of the WRFL's highest individual award, the Priest
Medal, with West Footscray's Cameron Barker.”

The Mail, September 2000

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider