Jim O'Dea

Jim O'Dea (born 2 February 1949) is a former Australian rules footballer who played 167 games with St Kilda in the VFL from 1967 until 1980. He played a season at Dandenong in the VFA.

Jim O'Dea
Personal information
Date of birth	(1949-02-02) 2 February 1949 (age 76)
Original team(s)	Noble Park-Harrisfield
Debut	20 May 1967, St Kilda vs. Richmond, at Moorabbin Oval
Height	185 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight	91 kg (201 lb)
Playing career1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
1967–1980	St Kilda	167 (7)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1980.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

O'Dea was a defender who usually played across half back. He is known for an infamous incident which took place at the Moorabbin Oval during Round 14 of the 1972 season when he felled Collingwood player John Greening behind play. Greening suffered horrendous injuries and was lucky not to die as a result, and O'Dea was lucky not to be suspended for more than just ten weeks.

After retiring from VFL football Jim coached St.Kilda Under 19’s and reserves teams and was a club board member in the early 2000’s.

External links

• Jim O'Dea's playing statistics from AFL Tables