Darren O'Brien was born on 22 March 1969 and is a former Australian rules footballer who played for Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League and for West Perth Football Club in the West Australian Football League.
15 Facts About Darren O'Brien
1.
2.
Originally from Collie, Western Australia, O'Brien began his playing career with West Perth in the WAFL.
3.
Darren O'Brien played 141 senior WAFL games from 1988 to 1995 for a return of 83 goals and, after winning a WAFL Grand Final with West Perth in 1995, he became the subject of interest from AFL clubs, despite being 26 years old.
4.
Darren O'Brien played his first game for the Demons in Melbourne's first match of the year, a pre-season game against Adelaide.
5.
At the beginning of the home and away season, Darren O'Brien was named in Melbourne's best 21 players and described as their "rookie to watch" by Ashley Browne in The Age.
6.
Darren O'Brien was named in squad to play Collingwood in round 2, but the coaching staff were reluctant to play him "because of his lack of pace" and he did not make the final team.
7.
Darren O'Brien's hearing at the AFL tribunal was the first heard to be heard by a female member; he was not suspended.
8.
Darren O'Brien made his AFL debut in round 4 against Carlton.
9.
Darren O'Brien had a mediocre performance, gathering five possessions and laying five tackles.
10.
Darren O'Brien remained in the side for the next three matches, all of which Melbourne lost, and he was dropped back to the reserves after a 10 disposal game against Sydney.
11.
Darren O'Brien was recalled to the seniors for round 13 where he recorded his first win at AFL level, despite a poor performance personally.
12.
Darren O'Brien subsequently established himself as a regular in the side, missing only one game for the rest of the season, round 20, due to a hamstring injury.
13.
Darren O'Brien remained in the team until being omitted for round 15, but was back in the side the very next week.
14.
Darren O'Brien then signed with his old side, West Perth, and played with the Falcons for the 1998 WAFL season.
15.
Darren O'Brien played 19 games and kicked 14 goals in what was his last season in the WAFL.