Simon O’Donnell

Sporting Personality

Simon O’Donnell’s sporting career highlights his talent, versatility and determination. Only a select number of athletes reach the top in their chosen sport; even fewer manage to do this in two.

After excelling at cricket and football at Assumption College in Kilmore, Simon O’Donnell moved to Melbourne to pursue football with VFL (AFL) club St Kilda. His cricket career continued, and after two successful seasons with the Saints, he elected to concentrate on cricket.

It proved a wise decision with Simon O’Donnell scoring a century on debut for Victoria, whom he would later go on to captain to their most recent Sheffield Shield (1990/91).

Simon O’Donnell’s distinguished cricket career was punctuated by many other highlights, including a key role in Australia’s historic 1987 World Cup victory and being named International Cricketer of the Year in 1990/91.

Following his World Cup success, Simon O’Donnell was diagnosed with cancer. He fought the disease for twelve months, and then fought to regain his place in the Australian team. He won both battles.

Simon O’Donnell joined the Nine Network in 1986 and his extensive media experience has included a wide variety of roles. He hosted a regular sporting segment on The Midday Show and was a panelist on The Footy Show.

He currently enjoys national recognition for his hosting duties for all racing telecasts on Nine, as well as a similar role on The Cricket Show. He continues to be a popular member of Nine’s cricket commentary team and is widely sought as a public speaker.

Simon O’Donnell is currently co-host of breakfast show Prime Time Sports on Sport 927, alongside ESP’s Michael Christian and Anthony Mithen.

His passion for horse racing is further nurtured through his company, O’Donnell Thoroughbreds International (OTI), a horse purchase and management consultancy he established in 1994.

With such a diverse range of talents, and widely regarded for his easy going nature, Simon O’Donnell is an excellent speaker or master of ceremonies who is ideal for conferences and after dinner engagements.

If you want to be inspired, educated, informed or entertained and, at the very least, congratulated after the event on your great choice of Speaker browse our speakers.