John O'Connell

Recruited from Claremont in 1955 effectively to offset the loss of star defender John Hyde to the west, John "Okey" O'Connell was a mobile giant who successfully bridged the gap between the ruck and the forward line. Standing 193cm, he possessed rare athleticism for a player of his size, an attribute he utilised to immediate effect by booting four goals on debut against South Melbourne. O'Connell became a consistent aerial target and secondary scorer for the Cats, finishing runner-up in the club's goal kicking in 1956 and eventually earning Victorian state honours. His standing at Kardinia Park culminated in his appointment as club captain in 1960, his final year in the VFL before a work transfer saw him return to the WANFL where he continued his career as a player-coach and later saw his sons, Michael and David, play at the highest level for West Coast.