James O'Donnell (footballer)

James O'Donnell
Personal information
Full name James O'Donnell
Born (2002-08-31) 31 August 2002
Original team Kew Football Club
Draft 2022, Category B Rookie
Debut Round 9, 2023, Western Bulldogs vs. Carlton, at Marvel Stadium
Height 197 cm (6 ft 6 in)
Weight 88 kg (194 lb)
Position Defender
Club information
Current club Western Bulldogs
Number 18
2023– Western Bulldogs 48 (0)
Total 48 (7)
Career highlights
  • Chris Grant Best First Year Player (2023)[1]
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

James O'Donnell (born 31 August 2002) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was signed as a Category B rookie in the 2022 AFL draft after playing cricket for Essendon Cricket Club. O'Donnell is son of Simon O'Donnell, a former cricketer and VFL footballer.[2]

Early life

O'Donnell played Australian Rules Football for Kew Football Club as well as School football for Xavier College in which he attended his schooling education. After completing high school he originally decided to play cricket like his father Simon playing his cricket for Essendon Cricket Club.

AFL career

O'Donnell debuted for the Western Bulldogs in Round 9, 2023 AFL Season against Carlton at Marvel Stadium in which the Bulldogs defeated Carlton by 20 points. He was awarded the Bulldogs' Best First Year player.[1]

Statistics

Updated to the end of round 24, 2025.[3]

Legend
  G  
Goals
  K  
Kicks
  D  
Disposals 
  T  
Tackles
  B  
Behinds 
  H  
Handballs 
  M  
Marks
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game)
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2023 Western Bulldogs 18 12 1 2 60 39 99 34 9 0.08 0.17 5.00 3.25 8.25 2.83 0.75
2024 Western Bulldogs 18 14 2 1 115 42 157 62 14 0.14 0.07 8.21 3.0 11.21 4.43 1.00
2025 Western Bulldogs 18 22 4 2 154 75 229 90 30 0.18 0.09 7.00 3.41 10.41 4.09 1.36
Career 48 7 5 329 156 485 186 53 0.15 0.10 6.85 3.25 10.10 3.88 1.10

Notes

References

  1. ^ a b Slevison, Andrew. "Bontempelli closes in on Bulldogs' best and fairest record". sen.com.au. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
  2. ^ "James O'Donnell, son of former ICC International Cricketer of the Year signed by Western Bulldogs". 7 News. 6 April 2023. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
  3. ^ "James O'Donnell stats". AFL Tables. Retrieved 28 September 2025.