As well as the internationally-known cricketer, footballer, cancer-survivor, broadcaster and horseracing identity that most people see, Simon is also a highly skilled and reputable commercial communicator. He is able to draw on all the diverse elements of his multi-disciplined experiences in a synergistic way, to create a unique and valuable resource that businesses can utilise in a variety of forms.
Simon O’Donnell’s sporting career reads like a schoolboy’s dream comes true. After excelling in sport at Assumption College in Kilmore, Simon moved to Melbourne to play Australian Rules Football with St. Kilda. After two successful seasons with the Saints, Simon was faced with a difficult but enviable decision – whether to concentrate on cricket or football.
He chose cricket and has never looked back. Whilst it may appear that Simon’s sporting career followed a sure road to success, life away from sport has not been so kind. Returning to Australia in 1987, after playing in the winning World Cup Team, Simon was diagnosed as having cancer. He fought the disease for twelve months and survived. Not only did he survive but in 1993 “Cleo” readers voted him the 4th sexiest male on this planet!
Simon has extensive experience with the media, in the past he has had various roles with the Nine Network including a regular segment on the ‘Midday Show’, a panellist on the ‘Footy Show’, a member of the Cricket commentary team, and host of the Cricket Show. Currently Simon enjoys national recognition through his various commentary and hosting roles with the Nine Network, particularly in cricket and horse racing and is widely respected as “an easy going and genuine good bloke”.
