Simon O’Donnell’s sporting career highlights his talent, versatility, and determination. After excelling at cricket and football at Assumption College in Kilmore, Simon 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. Simon scored a century on debut for Victoria, whom he would later captain to their most recent Sheffield Shield victory in 1990/91.
Simon O’Donnell’s distinguished cricket career includes 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 was diagnosed with cancer. He fought the disease for twelve months and then fought to regain his place in the Australian team, winning both battles. Simon joined the Nine Network in 1986, hosting a regular sporting segment on The Midday Show and being 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 is currently co-host of the 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 a diverse range of talents and widely regarded for his easy-going nature, Simon O’Donnell is an excellent speaker or master of ceremonies, ideal for conferences and after-dinner engagements.
