Donaghy started his career at Carlton in 1898 but after one season returned to his home town of Geelong to play for his original club, Wellington, in 1899.

He began playing for Geelong in 1900 and missed just one game in each of his first two seasons, becoming an integral member of the side.

[3] A key position player, Donaghy was known for his marking ability and was good enough to twice represent the VFL at interstate football.

[4] Donaghy joined South Australian club Port Adelaide in 1906 for a four-season South Australian Football League stint and was joint club captain for the last two years.

[2] Donaghy, who also represented the South Australian interstate team, was Port Adelaide's non playing coach in 1911.