Paul O'Brien
Fitzroy
AFL career
47 games2 goals
- Debut
- R1 1966 v SME23 Apr 1966
- Most recent
- R12 1969 v FSC28 June 1969
Stats
1969 | FIT | 9 | 7.3 | 2.1 | 9.4 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 2.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
1968 | FIT | 17 | 8.6 | 4.0 | 12.6 | 2.9 | 1.1 | 2.9 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
1967 | FIT | 14 | 9.1 | 2.7 | 11.8 | 2.9 | 1.1 | 2.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
1966 | FIT | 7 | 6.3 | 2.9 | 9.1 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Bio
Recruited from the northern suburbs via Lakeside High School, Paul O'Brien entered the VFL as part of a close-knit group of schoolmates that included future teammates Rod Cobain and Barry Padley. He progressed through the Fitzroy Thirds to make his senior debut in 1966 against Collingwood at Victoria Park, where he was immediately tested in the forward pocket against the Magpies' imposing ruckman Ray Gabelich. Standing 188cm, O'Brien was a versatile utility best suited to a ruck-roving or centre role, though the Lions' lack of depth during a lean era often saw him deployed in various positions to plug gaps across the ground. He played 47 games over four seasons before departing the VFL scene in 1969, but his connection to the club endured long after his playing days, eventually seeing him return to serve as a committed committeeman and active member of the past players' association.
Profile
- Full name
- Paul S. O'Brien
- Born
- 19 Aug 1948 (age 78y 63d)
- Height
- 188 cm
- Weight
- 83 kg
Teams
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from the northern suburbs via Lakeside High School, Paul O'Brien entered the VFL as part of a close-knit group of schoolmates that included future teammates Rod Cobain and Barry Padley. He progressed through the Fitzroy Thirds to make his senior debut in 1966 against Collingwood at Victoria Park, where he was immediately tested in the forward pocket against the Magpies' imposing ruckman Ray Gabelich. Standing 188cm, O'Brien was a versatile utility best suited to a ruck-roving or centre role, though the Lions' lack of depth during a lean era often saw him deployed in various positions to plug gaps across the ground. He played 47 games over four seasons before departing the VFL scene in 1969, but his connection to the club endured long after his playing days, eventually seeing him return to serve as a committed committeeman and active member of the past players' association.