Sydney Swans star Ryan O’Keefe says there is no secret to his AFL success - it just all comes down to hard work.

The 31-year-old, who will line up for his 250th AFL game this weekend against Carlton at Etihad Stadium, said hard work - and a lot of it - is what has allowed him to excel in his 12-year career at the Swans.

“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 (I’ve) put in has been able to get me to this point,” O’Keefe 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 sort of make the difference.

“I think the way the game is, you’ve got to be prepared to be the absolute best you can to be able to perform on the weekend.”

After starting his career as a leading half-forward, O’Keefe has reinvented himself as a vital cog in the Swans midfield over that past few seasons.

This year, O’Keefe has lead by example, averaging 24 possessions per game, including a season-high 39 touches in the Swans recent win over West Coast in Perth.

O’Keefe said it was important for players to have more than one string to their bow in today’s competition.

“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 change or 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, and is something I’m really enjoying.

“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, which is good.”

On the back of a string of impressive performances, O’Keefe believes there is still plenty of football left in him.

“I’m really enjoying my footy.  We’ve got a great list, a great bunch of guys to play with and we’re starting to play a lot of footy together,” O’Keefe said.

“The Swans have given me great opportunities and to have such a long career with them is something I’m quite proud of and I thank them deeply for the opportunity that they’ve given me to be able to do something I love for such a long time.

“As long as my body is still fine and I’m still enjoying what I’m doing - if you turn up to work and love what you’re doing - it sort of just flies by.”

The 2009 Bob Skilton medallist said following in the footsteps of team mates Michael O’Loughlin and Adam Goodes is also not out of the question.

“(300 games) is a fair way down the track now so I’ve just got to worry about this year and enjoy my footy,” he said.

“I think I’ve still got a few years of footy left in me.

“The body is feeling as good as it did in my mid-twenties so I haven’t even thought about (retiring).”