Australian Football

After playing just seven games for Subiaco in his debut season of 1992 Andrew Donnelly was drafted by Sydney. However, in two years with the Swans he never played at senior level, and was de-listed. Returning to Subiaco he put in a superb 1995 season which earned him a club fairest and best award and gave him the confidence to approach West Coast and ask for a second chance to break into the AFL, a request which was granted.

Neither the Eagles nor the player would have any reason to regret the arrangement. A strong marking forward, Donnelly enjoyed an excellent debut season in 1996, which included earning selection in Western Australia’s state of origin team to meet South Australia in Adelaide. Thereafter his progress was undermined to some extent by injury, but he still produced some excellent displays, and in 1998 played state of origin football for the second time. A somewhat patchy 1999 season was then followed by a strong 2000 which seemingly augured well for the future. However, it was at that point that he was beset by knee and hamstring problems, meaning that after 68 AFL games and 69 goals, and 84 WAFL games and 108 goals, his football career was over.

Author - John Devaney