Former Geelong Cat Graeme ‘Bluey’ O’Donnell remembered

A former Geelong Cats player has been remembered as a community-minded man who loved sport, after his death following a battle with motor neurone disease.

Graeme O'Donnell, pictured with brother Ian, nephew Mark and son Cameron. Picture: Supplied

Former Geelong Cats player Graeme “Bluey” O’Donnell will be remembered as a community-minded man who loved his sport, following his death last week.

Graeme died on August 22 aged 85, after a battle with motor neurone disease (MND).

He was part of a five generation-long legacy of footballers, spanning the VFL, AFL and AFLW, including current Cat Georgie Rankin.

Graeme’s grandfather was Geelong legend Teddy Rankin.

His relative Pat O’Donnell also played for the Cats, in 1899, beginning the family’s long involvement with the club.

Graeme was raised in Geelong, and attended Geelong High School.

Graeme O'Donnell (top right) attended Geelong High School and was in the school’s football team. Picture: courtesy of Bob Gartland collection

Son Gary O’Donnell, a former Essendon Football Club captain, said his “first taste” of the camaraderie in a sports team was at a young age, riding on the bus with his dad and his team to away games.

Gary said Graeme played football until his 40s, and cricket until his 50s.

“Dad was a life member of most of the clubs he was involved with.,” Gary said.

“He was giving back to sport … that was integral in his life.”

Graeme O'Donnell, pictured with son Gary. Picture: Supplied

Gary said after retiring from sport, Graeme enjoyed following his 12 grandchildren, who are all involved with sport.

The Cats posted a tribute message on the club’s website.

Graeme O'Donnell, pictured with some of his 12 grandchildren and wife Bev. Picture: Supplied

“O’Donnell played seven games for the Cats across the 1961-1962 seasons where he kicked four goals in the number 14 guernsey,” the post said.

“O’Donnell would go on to play a further 16 games for North Melbourne for a total of 23 games across four seasons before retiring in 1964.

“He was a direct relation to the famous Geelong footballing family, the Rankins, via his mother who was the daughter of Cats Hall of Fame member Teddy Rankin.

“His son Gary was a former captain of Essendon and his daughter Shelley represented Australia 84 times in Netball.”

Graeme O'Donnell played seven games for the Cats in the early 1960s. Picture: courtesy of Bob Gartland collection

Ringwood Cricket Club president Greg Macklin said: “There has been no other individual in the history of the Ringwood Cricket Club who has been held in higher esteem than Graeme.

O’Donnell debuted with the club for the 1972/73 season, and went on to play 214 games, with 4134 runs.

North Melbourne shared on its Facebook page players would wear black armbands in their clash against the Suns in honour of Graeme.

Gary said he would remember his dad as a very outgoing person who loved the relationships he formed with people, in every walk of life.

“He loved the camaraderie of being involved in a team, with other people, and achieving together,” Gary said.

“He was a really community-minded person that just cared for people.

“He was always thinking of others.”

A memorial service will be held on September 5 from 10am at 733 Boronia Rd, Wantirna.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to MND Victoria.

Originally published as Former Geelong Cat Graeme ‘Bluey’ O’Donnell remembered