Rhys O'Keeffe Biography

Rhys O'Keeffe is recovering from a serious bout of white staph infection, believed to have developed after he underwent an operation on his left heel in late 2011.

O'Keeffe has only managed just three AFL games in four-and-a-half injury plagued seasons with the Blues.

"I've played at AFL level and I've never felt out of place. I know I can do it. It's just a matter of finally getting that little bit of luck and continuity," O'Keeffe said.

Rhys O'Keeffe makes his AFL debut for Carlton at Docklands Stadium with 8 disposals (3 kicks and 5 handballs), a mark and a tackle in a 36-point loss to West Coast.

Carlton rookie to make his AFL debut on Sunday against West Coast after battling through assorted injuries.

"This year he's had a good pre-season and been able to string some games together which he hasn't done before," Carlton football manager Stephen Icke said.

"He's got enormous power in his game, he's a big strong lad, and can play as an outside midfielder or across half-back, so after all of that improvement he gets his opportunity."