Australian Football

Tremendous agility, pace, panache and aerial prowess combined to make Sydney’s Michael O’Loughlin one of the AFL’s most exciting talents of the 2000s. At the time of his retirement at the end of the 2009 season his games tally stood at an all-time Swans record of 303 (since surpassed by Adam Goodes). 

O’Loughlin had only played at under-17 level for Central District when he arrived at Sydney in 1995, aged just 18, but he performed like a veteran almost from the start, and was soon being idolised by the Swans faithful, who predictably elected to nickname him ‘Magic’, although the nickname 'Micky-O' subsequently became his sobriquet.

By 1997 O’Loughlin was widely acknowledged as one of the most damaging forwards in the game, a status that was reinforced by his inclusion in that year’s AFL All Australian team. If anything, he enjoyed an even more outstanding season in 1998, winning the Fos Williams Medal after helping South Australia down Western in Adelaide, and claiming the Sydney Football Club’s highest individual honour, the Bob Skilton Medal for best and fairest.

Subsequent honours garnered by O’Loughlin have included the Swans’ leading goal kicker award in 2000 with 53 goals and 2001 (35), selection in a second AFL All Australian team in 2000, and, most significantly and satisfyingly of all, membership of Sydney’s 2005 premiership team.

Since retirement he has been involved in a number of charitable foundations, and coaching.

Author - John Devaney with additional material from Adam Cardosi