Sydney-sider Steve O'Keefe has openly reflected on his time as a Sixer after periods of doubt plagued his mind, with the now 38-year-old admitting he is "probably the happiest I've ever been.”
The left-arm orthodox bowler has struggled with the idea of balancing work and finding time to nurture himself but is now open to the fact cricket is no longer the number one priority.
“Cricket was central to my existence and identity as a person, and it was what every day revolved around, really, whereas now it's probably taken a back step,” O'Keefe told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“I've got other things to enjoy. I've been with my girlfriend, Lexie, for several years. She's been really positive in shaping my views of the world outside of sport. When you open your eyes a little bit and have a look, there is a lot more to life than cricket, believe it or not, and she's been pivotal in that support.
“Now I think I've just got cricket in the right space, in the right balance in my life. It's not everything, but I'm still connected to the game. I still enjoy the contest, but I don't live and breathe it.
“And that takes a bit of time. A lot of athletes that I speak to at the end of their careers say the same thing. It just takes a bit of time to decompress and I'm probably at that happy mix at the moment. I just need to get a little bit fitter.
“I need to put more attention into it to become a more reliable player on the field. And that'll be a focus this year. In other years it might have been a bit more mental health and other stuff."
The new outlook on life has created a sense of contentment with his surroundings, which O'Keefe outlines may hold the key to his re-signing, regardless of the result against the Brisbane Heat on Thursday.
Aiming for a fourth BBL title, the veteran will don the spikes in the challenger final, marking his 100th career start in magenta colours at the well-renowned fortress, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
O'Keefe will run out without Allan Border-winning recipient Steve Smith who returns to Test duties, instead to be replaced by fellow New South Welshman left-hander Daniel Hughes.
Long-serving Sixers coach Greg Shipperd commented on the pending re-signing news by stating, “we're really pleased he's of a mindset to keep playing because that wasn't the case at this time last year.”
“There's been a shift in how relaxed he is in what he's doing. He's feeling really comfortable about his role and how his body's going,” Shipperd said.
