Kevin O'Donnell (footballer)
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St Kilda, Victoria
| Kevin O'Donnell | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Kevin O'Donnell | ||
| Born |
12 July 1924 St Kilda, Victoria | ||
| Died | 15 January 2002 (aged 77) | ||
| Original team | South Caulfield CYMS (CYMSFA) | ||
| Height | 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lb) | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1946–1949 | St Kilda | 49 (20) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1949. | |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Kevin O'Donnell (12 July 1924 – 15 January 2002) was an Australian rules footballer who played with St Kilda in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
Military service
Born in Melbourne, O'Donnell was a student at St Kilda's Christian Brothers College.[1] He later did a building apprenticeship at Swinburne College.[1]
His early football was played with South Caulfield CYMS.[2]
In World War II he served overseas with the Royal Australian Air Force after enlisting in 1943.[3] Following service in Britain, O'Donnell was a member of the occupation forces in Germany.[1]
Football
St Kilda career
O'Donnell, a half forward, debuted in the opening round of the 1946 VFL season, against North Melbourne at Arden Street Oval.[4][5] He kicked two goals and was named amongst St Kilda's best.[6]
From 1946 to 1949, O'Donnell amassed 49 league games for St Kilda.[5]
Deniliquin coach
In 1950, O'Donnell left St Kilda to coach in New South Wales, for Deniliquin in the Murray Football League.[7] He remained senior coach in 1951, then played the 1952 season as a player only, as former South Melbourne player Ted Whitfield took charge.[8]
O'Donnell was in the Deniliquin team which drew the 1952 grand final with Finley and lost by replay by six points.[9][10]
In 1953 he returned as coach for one final season[11] and was runner up in the 1953 Murray Football League best and fairest award, the O'Dwyer Medal.[12]
He was president of the Deniliquin Football Club from 1973 to 1978.[1]