An extremely versatile footballer, Peter played 109 VFL games for Hawthorn FC from 1942-43 and 1946-52, captaining the Club for three years (1950-52).
Like so many other players of the era, Peter’s football career was put on hold while he served in the Navy from 1943-1945 during World War II.
After moving across to the WAFL to take up the position of captain/coach at West Perth Football Club in 1953, Peter returned to Victoria in 1955 to continue his coaching career with various clubs, including Deniliquin (Murray Football League) and Northcote (VFA).
He re-joined the Hawks as non-playing coach in 1966. After only a year at the helm, in which Hawthorn finished ninth, Peter went on to become a highly successful amateur coach in the VAFA.
More recently, Peter was an active and long-standing member of the Club’s Hall of Fame selection committee (2002-2012).
Hawthorn Chief Executive Officer Stuart Fox extended his deepest sympathies to Peter’s family and friends during this sad time.
“All associated with Hawthorn Football Club would like to offer their condolences to the O’Donohue family,” Fox said.
“As a player, captain, coach and more recently Hall of Fame selector, Peter has been such a rich part of our Club’s history and he will be sadly missed,” he said.
The Club offers its condolences to Peter’s son Sean, his wife Sue and their two daughters Kate and Sarah. Peter is also survived by brothers Joseph, Mal and Conrad.
Peter O’Donohue
Recruited from: Hawthorn CYMSGames: 109 (1942-43 and 1946-52*)
Goals: 24
Captain: 1950-52
Coach: 1966
Hawthorn Football Club Life Member 1951
Hawthorn Football Club Hall of Fame Selection Committee 2002-2012
*Served in the Air Force 1943-1945 during the Second World War
