Vale Gerry O'Brien

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Another one from our last premiership has passed away.

Gerald ( Gerry) O'Brien ,#1049 , played 102 games for South Adelaide from 1960-1968, including the 1964 premiership. Originally recruited from Port Pirie, he played his first season under coach Fos Williams, then Bill Sutherland, until Neil Kerley was appointed in 1964. He credited Kerley with firstly getting them super fit, and secondly showing them that they could play with strength and vigor and win games. O Brien's main attributes were his strong attack on the ball, leg speed and penetrating kick. A couple of serious injuries led him to retire from SANFL league football and return to Port Pirie in 1968 where he again played in a premiership , this time with Solomontown in the Spencer Gulf league. ( info from Tony Shaw interview at 2011 premiership reunion)