[2] In World War II he served overseas with the Royal Australian Air Force after enlisting in 1943.
[1] O'Donnell, a half forward, debuted in the opening round of the 1946 VFL season, against North Melbourne at Arden Street Oval.
[5] In 1950, O'Donnell left St Kilda to coach in New South Wales, for Deniliquin in the Murray Football League.
[8] O'Donnell was in the Deniliquin team which drew the 1952 grand final with Finley and lost by replay by six points.
[9][10] In 1953 he returned as coach for one final season [11] and was runner up in the 1953 Murray Football League best and fairest award, the O'Dwyer Medal.