Leo O'Halloran

Leo O'Halloran
Personal information
Full name Leo Denis O'Halloran
Date of birth 11 June 1925
Place of birth Colac, Victoria, Australia
Date of death 27 October 1990(1990-10-27) (aged 65)
Original team(s) Barwon Heads
Height 189 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight 83 kg (183 lb)
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
1949–1952 Geelong 20 (19)
1953 South Melbourne 9 (11)
Total 29 (30)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1953.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Leo Denis O'Halloran (11 June 1925 – 27 October 1990)[1] was an Australian rules footballer who played with Geelong and South Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL), the top tier of Australian rules football during his playing era.

Early life and recruitment

O'Halloran was born on 11 June 1925. He began his football journey with Barwon Heads, a regional team in Victoria. His potential and strong local performances caught the attention of Geelong Football Club scouts, leading to his recruitment into the VFL.[2]

VFL career

Geelong (1950–1952)

O'Halloran debuted for Geelong in 1950 at age 24, playing mainly as a follower and forward.[3] He was part of the Geelong team during their back-to-back premiership-winning seasons in 1951 and 1952, although he did not participate in any finals matches.[3] O'Halloran struggled with injuries throughout his time at Geelong, with his most active year being 1951 when he played seven senior games.[3]

Despite limited senior appearances, he was a standout performer in the reserves, winning the Gardiner Medal in 1952 for best and fairest player in the VFL seconds competition.[4]

South Melbourne (1953)

In 1953, O'Halloran transferred to South Melbourne, where he was redeployed as a rover. He played six games and scored three goals in his lone season with the club.[5][3]

Later life

Following his football career, O'Halloran's activities remained largely outside the public eye. He passed away on 27 October 1990 at the age of 65.[3]

Playing style

O'Halloran was known for his adaptability on the field, transitioning between follower, forward, and rover roles during his VFL career. Though injury-prone, his skills were well-regarded at the reserve level, highlighted by his Gardiner Medal success.[6]

Career statistics

VFL playing statistics
Club Season Games Goals
Geelong 1950–1952 20 6
South Melbourne 1953 6 3
Total 26 9

[3]

Honours

  • Gardiner Medal: 1952 – awarded to the best and fairest in the VFL reserves competition.[7]

References

  1. ^ "Leo OHalloran - Player Bio". Australian Football. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  2. ^ Holmesby, Russell; Main, Jim (2007). The Encyclopedia Of AFL Footballers: Every AFL/VFL Player Since 1897. BAS Publishing. ISBN 978-1-920910-78-5.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "AFL Tables: Leo OHalloran". afltables.com. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  4. ^ "Gardiner Medal Winners". AustralianFootball.com. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  5. ^ "Follower becomes a rover". The Argus. 29 April 1953. p. 10.
  6. ^ Holmesby, Russell; Main, Jim (2007). The Encyclopedia Of AFL Footballers. BAS Publishing. ISBN 978-1-920910-78-5.
  7. ^ "Gardiner Medal Winners". AustralianFootball.com. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
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