BIO

Originally from Shepparton in Victoria, Des O'Dwyer was recruited by the Melbourne Football Club and had a meteoric rise to senior football late in the 1978 season.  After only one training session with the senior squad, he made his League debut against St. Kilda as a 16 year old. Named at full-forward, he kicked a goal with his first kick in League football.

However O'Dwyer did not play another League game until 1981. His last game for the Demons was early in 1982, against Geelong, at Kardinia Park.
 
Having made eight appearances for Melbourne, and after a transfer in employment, the 21 year old moved to Norwood in 1983.
 
He played a preseason trial against the Richmond Football Club and later made his SANFL debut against Sturt in round one 1983.
 
At 188cm, he was capable of playing at full back or full forward. Despite an encouraging start to the 1983 season, he lost some form in the second half of the year and eventually played in Norwood's losing Reserves Grand Final side against Port Adelaide.
 
He injured his groin early in 1984 and returned late in the season to again play Reserves.

After more groin trouble early in 1985, O'Dwyer was eventually able to regain a spot in the League team. In August of that year O'Dwyer kicked 10 goals against Sturt at Football Park.
 
He transferred to Woodville early in the 1986 season, and went on to give wonderful service to his new club, predominantly as a defender. O'Dwyer played 105 games (1986-90), and then another 17 games for the merged Woodville-West Torrens FC (1991).
 
O'Dwyer also played in Woodville's 1988 Escort Cup (night series) premiership.

R Cialini Dec 2016