Full Name: EDWARD KEVIN O'NEILL
Date of Birth: 20/03/1908
Height: 175 cm ( 5-9 )
Weight: 79 kg ( 12-6 )
Guernsey: 16
Debut: 03/05/1930, Round 1, Collingwood
Last Game: 17/05/1941, Round 4, Essendon
RICHMOND SENIORS
Seasons: 1930-41
Total Games: 209
Total Goals: 12
Honours: Premiership 1932, 1934, Victorian Representative Games 10 Goals 1.
RICHMOND RESERVES
Seasons: 1944
Total Games: 7
Total Goals:
Honours: Captain/Coach Part of 1944.
BIOGRAPHY
Kevin played in the back-pocket after he was recruited from Echuca. He received his clearance from them on May 1 1930.
He spent 12 seasons with Richmond and during that time he formed part of the famous last line of defence along with Martin Bolger and Maurie Sheahan. They were affectionately known as "The Three Musketeers". He was a dashing, consistent player who was not afraid to back his judgement. A fine body player he used his strength to out bustle taller opponents. He was a member of the 1932 and 1934 Premiership teams and was voted in the best three six times. He was voted Richmond's best player in the 1933 Grand Final. He represented Victoria 10 times and was State vice captain for one Interstate Carnival. He was awarded Life Membership in 1939.
Kevin later served in the R.A.A.F where he coached football teams at Tocumwal and Deniliquin. He also coached the Richmond Reserves briefly in 1944. Whilst playing with Richmond he reached a stage in his career where he wondered if his consistent performances were ever noticed by his legendary coach "Checker" Hughes. He had often heard Hughes praising and berating his team mates whilst no such verbal encouragement was forthcoming to him. He eventually plucked up enough courage to discuss the matter with his coach, to which Hughes quickly retorted "You should only worry about your game when I do have to speak to you, because that would mean you weren't doing your job properly." Such was the esteem in which this player was held. He returned to Echuca after his VFL career. Kevin died in 1985. His father, Edward played with Richmond during their VFA days.
PRE RICHMOND
St Mary's Echuca Junior Football to 1925 ; Echuca 1926-29, Games 43, Goals 4 ( Honours - Premiership 1928, League Representative Team 1929 ).
POST RICHMOND
Photos
Semi Final vs Geelong 1934