The Brazilian-born 20-year-old earned permanent promotion to the senior list at the end of last year after playing 13 senior games while on the rookie list in 2005 and 2006 when injuries opened up opportunities, and has been in excellent form performing a running defensive role on dangerous opposition forwards.
So far O’Brien has taken on Corey Jones (Kangaroos), David Wirrpanda (West Coast), Kayne Pettifer (Richmond) and Brett Ebert (Port Adelaide), and has proven to be one of his side’s most important and consistent contributors at this early stage of the season.
Making the athletic 188-centimetre O’Brien’s feats even more impressive is the fact he underwent ankle surgery at the beginning of the pre-season just gone, and then suffered a partially collapsed lung in the pre-season cup game against the Kangaroos on the Gold Coast.
Despite these setbacks, his work ethic and desire to take his game to the next level have seen him grasp the opportunity handed to him.
“I’m pretty happy, the fact that I did have a few mishaps during the pre-season, just to be able to get back and get some fitness, and be picked to play, is just a really good bonus, just play my role each week, and just continue to play in the seniors,” O’Brien told CTV at the team's recovery session at St Kilda sea baths.
“Hopefully I can move into a few more positions, hopefully Mick sees me in other positions, but at the moment I’m just happy to play my role down back and continue doing my role for the team.”
With the ANZAC Day clash with Essendon just two days away, O’Brien spoke of his first ANZAC Day game in 2006, where he was one of the side’s best in a memorable victory.
“My older brother came over from Perth just to watch the game. Just the build-up, like I said, just the ANZAC spirit, I think everyone really gets into it, and it makes the day such a special day.
“It’s the best week of the year, of the home-and-away fixture, I just can’t wait, it’s such a special day, can’t wait just to take on Essendon.”
