Career
Born in Melbourne, O'Donnell was a student at St Kilda's Christian Brothers College. He later did a building apprenticeship at Swinburne College. His early football was played with South Caulfield CYMS. Military service
In World War II he served overseas with the Royal Australian Air Force after enlisting in 1943.
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. 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.
Deniliquin coach
In 1950, O'Donnell left St Kilda to coach in New South Wales, for Deniliquin in the Murray League. 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. He was president of the Deniliquin Club from 1973 to 1978. A builder by trade, O'Donnell remained in Deniliquin, where he raised four children with wife Bernadette.
The youngest, Simon O'Donnell, played 24 games for St Kilda in the 1980s, but is best known as a cricketer. Heavily involved in the racing industry, he bred his own racehorses and was a trustee of the Deniliquin racecourse.
