ON THE verge of his 250th game, Sydney Swan Ryan O'Keefe is bordering on career-best form, and a former teammate has revealed the level of obsession that is driving him to greatness.

Already an All Australian, a best and fairest winner and a key member of the 2005 premiership team, O'Keefe has been in rare form in recent weeks for the ladder-leading Swans.

Over the past three matches against West Coast, St Kilda and the Gold Coast, O'Keefe has averaged more than 33 disposals, six tackles and four marks per game.

He also picked up 29 of a possible 30 votes for the AFL Coaches Association player of the year award and is sure to figure in Brownlow Medal voting during that stretch.

And it is his obsessive dedication to training that allows him to keep producing such form at the age of 31.

"He is the ultimate professional," former teammate and good friend Jared Crouch told AFL.com.au.

"In the Adelaide game this year (a five-point loss in round six), there was an opportunity for him to take a mark in the forward 50 and he didn't quite get there. Adelaide then marked it and went down the other end.

"He's always the last bloke to leave the training track and at the end of training he would've had 50 or so attempts at replicating that mark from the same spot.

"It's the same if he misses a shot at goal in a game. The next session he'll spend hours after training practicing the same shot.

"It's no surprise that he's made 250 games."

O'Keefe brings up the 250-game milestone against Carlton this Sunday.

The man himself admits he's proud to reach the mark and reinforced that simple hard work is the reason behind his ability and longevity.

"To be able to have that many games in a career that's gone for a number of years is something to be pretty proud of and all the hard work put in has got me to this point," he said.

"Everyone sees what happens on the weekend, but it's all the hours and all the little extras that you do while no one is looking that make the difference."

Versatility is a key element of O'Keefe's game.

A midfielder who is comfortable going forward - O'Keefe kicked 30 goals in three straight seasons between 2004-06 and has 241 for his career - he was even used as a spare man in defence against the Saints two weeks ago.

"I think you have to be pretty versatile now," he said.

"I think if you're locked into one position you have to be pretty special at it or have some really special attributes.

"I think a few years ago I needed a freshen up and a new challenge and I asked if I could have a more permanent role in the midfield and it's worked out well for both parties.

"I love the different roles and I get a different role every week and it's always changing up, which keeps me on my toes."