Kevin O'Donnell

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).

Early years Born in Melbourne, O'Donnell was a student at St Kilda's Christian Brothers College. He later did a building apprenticeship at Swinburne College.

Military service In World War II he served overseas with the Royal Australian Air Force after enlisting in 1943. Following service in Britain, O'Donnell was a member of the occupation forces in Germany. He kicked two goals and was named amongst St Kilda's best.

From 1946 to 1949, O'Donnell amassed 49 league games for St Kilda. He remained senior coach in 1951, then played the 1952 season as a player only, as former South Melbourne player Ted Whitfield took charge.

O'Donnell was in the Deniliquin team which drew the 1952 grand final with Finley and lost by replay by six points.

In 1953 he returned as coach for one final season and was runner up in the 1953 Murray Football League best and fairest award, the O'Dwyer Medal.

He was president of the Deniliquin Football Club from 1973 to 1978. He won a World Cup with Australia in 1987.

Heavily involved in the racing industry, he bred his own racehorses and was a trustee of the Deniliquin racecourse.