John O'Connell (footballer, born 1951)

John O'Connell (22 April 1951 – 5 November 1989) was an Australian rules footballer who played for Carlton in the VFL during the 1970s.

John O'Connell
Personal information
Date of birth 22 April 1951
Date of death 5 November 1989(1989-11-05) (aged 38)
Original team(s) Fawkner
Debut Round 3, 1970, Carlton vs. Richmond, at the MCG
Height 183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight 82 kg (181 lb)
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
1970–1976 Carlton 111 (0)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1976.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

O'Connell made his way into the Carlton side after playing underage football for the club. Although originally a centreman and ruck-rover, he was used as a defender when joined the seniors in 1970. He played most of his games in the back pocket and was a long kick of the ball. O'Connell was a member of Carlton's 1972 premiership team and also played in the side which lost the Grand Final the following season. In the 1973 decider he had been a replacement for the ill Barry Armstrong and was given the role of tagging Richmond star Ian Stewart.

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