Dick O'Bree | |||
---|---|---|---|
Personal information | |||
Full name | Dick O'Bree | ||
Date of birth | 5 June 1936 | ||
Place of birth | Lake Boga | ||
Original team(s) | Euroa / Lake Boga | ||
Height | 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) | ||
Weight | 90 kg (198 lb) | ||
Position(s) | Full-Forward | ||
Playing career1 | |||
Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
1956–57 | Collingwood | 4 (5) | |
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1957. | |||
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com |
Dick O'Bree is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Collingwood in the Victorian Football League (VFL).[1]
Early career
Originally from Lake Boga , O'Bree made his senoir debut as a fifteen year old with his local club. As a seventeen year old he kicked 140 goals in a season with Lake Boga in the Mid Murray FL. In 1954 he kicked 94 goals before work took him to Euroa.
VFL career
Collingwood had attempted to lure the young Full-forward for years before O'Bree signed with them on match permits. He played the first 3 games in 1956 VFL season. In his third game, O'Bree started well, kicking a goal then he collided with Colin Saddington, landed awkwardly and broke his right leg in a match against Richmond at their home ground Punt Road Oval. As there were no stretchers available, O'Bree was carried from the ground on Richmond's training room door.[2]
Later life
After recovering from his broken leg, O'Bree returned to play for Euroa, becoming a record goalkicker and premiership winning coach.[2] He spent 3 years from 1959 as captain coach of Wycheproof in the North Central FL before returning permanently to Euroa. He retired as a player in 1969 but when Euroa changed leagues in 1971 he was talked into playing. He kicked 59 goals and led Euroa to the premiership before hanging up the boots for good. In a career that spanned 20 years he kicked over 1200 goals and played in seven premierships.
Notes
Sources
- Piesse, K. (2011) Great Australian Football Stories, The Five Mile Press: Melbourne. ISBN 978-1-74346-757-2.
- Dick O'Bree's profile
- Dick O'Bree's playing statistics from AFL Tables