John O'Connell (footballer)

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.

References

• Blueseum Biography: John O'Connell
• Holmesby, Russell and Main, Jim (2007). The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers. 7th ed. Melbourne: Bas Publishing.