O’Brien retires following stellar WAFL career

2013 Sandover Medallist and five-time fairest and best winner Rory O’Brien has announced his retirement from the West Australian Football League after 244 games for Peel Thunder and East Fremantle Football Club.

O’Brien retires as Peel Thunder’s most decorated player following two premierships, two fairest and best Tuckey Medals and 139 games with the club.

He also starred for East Fremantle where he won the Sandover Medal in 2013 with 55 votes and collected three of the club’s fairest and best Lynn Medals after 105 games in five seasons, which included two as captain.

O’Brien was also a 2004 Colts premiership co-captain with Peel Thunder and represented the State in 2013 and 2014 .

Peel Thunder League Coach Cam Shepherd paid tribute to O’Brien, saying he had been a great player over many years at both Peel Thunder and East Fremantle.

“Whilst he has won accolades as a five-time Fairest and Best winner and a Sandover Medallist, it is as a dual premiership player that I will fondly remember him,” Shepherd said.

“His character and professionalism epitomised him as a player. He has been so important in driving the standards of our group whilst building the bonds that have made our team great. Well done Rory,” Shepherd said.

Rory O’Brien’s Career
244 WAFL League games (139 PTFC, 105 East Fremantle)
2016 & 2017 WAFL Premiership Player
2013 Sandover Medallist
2011 & 2013 WAFL State Player
2006 & 2010 PTFC Tuckey Medallist
2011, 2013 & 2015 EFFC Lynn Medallist
2014-2015 EFFC Captain
2004 WAFL Colts Premiership Player

Photo: Rory O’Brien after winning the 2013 Sandover Medal.