Australian Football

Originally from Marist Brothers College in Burnie Rod Oborne (shown right) was tall, slimly built and stylish, and enjoyed a promising debut season with Collingwood in 1972 when he played 19 games and won the club’s best first year player award. Thereafter, although he showed glimpses of his best form, he failed fully to build on his impressive start. In 1977 he was cleared to Claremont where he enjoyed a fine season, playing 19 WAFL games and topping the club’s goal kicking list with 57 goals, whereupon Collingwood coaxed him back to the fold in time for the 1978 season. Once again, however, he failed to ignite, and midway through the 1979 season, after 87 VFL games and 85 goals for the Magpies, he crossed to Richmond. He spent three seasons in Tigerland but only added 5 games and 7 goals to his respective career tallies.

Rod Oborne later captain-coached Williamstown in the VFA and led Ainslie to a premiership of the ACTAFL in 1984.

Collingwood authority Glenn McFarlane summarised Oborne’s career thus:

Rod Oborne was one of those players who always looked like he might be about to have a breakout season and become a fully-fledged star. And while he never quite reached those heights, a career tally nearing 100 games – and a decent highlights reel – is still plenty to be proud of.[1]

Author - John Devaney