Sydney forward Ryan O'Keefe and coach Paul Roos believe an overhaul of the AFL trade structure is required.

After nearly a decade at the Swans, O'Keefe failed in a bid to return to his hometown of Melbourne during the off-season after being squeezed out of a possible move during trade week.

"I think trade week is a very obsolete system," said O'Keefe speaking prior to the Swans' first full pre-season training session of the new campaign.

"You don't need five days, it can all be done in one day I think. I just think the structure needs to be looked at.

"I think free agency needs to be really looked at. And whether they deal in future draft picks, which they do in the United States."

It appeared that O'Keefe would possibly be headed for either Hawthorn or Carlton for 2009, however no deal was forthcoming during a low-key trade week, which resulted in just six players moving.

"I think it is frustrating for the clubs as well, though I can't speak on behalf of all clubs, but what I have heard it is pretty frustrating for them as well," he said.

"They obviously want to get some deals done and get to other players as well so I think it is something that needs to be reviewed."

Roos supported the idea of some adjustment.

"I definitely think one thing that needs to be looked at is trading future draft picks," said Roos.

"If you look at a situation where Ryan was keen to go to Carlton, and they had already committed I think pick 24 to (Matthew) Warnock (of Fremantle) so it really leaves them nothing more to trade.

"I think trading future picks, which happens in the NBA and the NFL (is a good alternative), at least that opens up more options for clubs to actually get players across the line.

"Other areas could probably be looked at as well."

All the dealing behind him, O'Keefe said he will be fully focused on the Swans after signing a new four-year deal that will likely take the 27-year-old through to the end of his AFL career.

"Everything that happened was interesting but it has all been done and dusted," he said.

"I spoke to a lot of people, I spoke to Paul (Roos) obviously and a lot of the senior players and they were really supportive and happy for me to come back."

The Swans' preparations for next season commenced with the vast majority of the squad in attendance.

Adam Goodes and Tadhg Kennelly are expected to return to full training prior to Christmas after off-season surgery and veteran forward Michael O'Loughlin is likely to be the last big name to return in January.

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