You have forgotten his 50 disposals against Geelong at Victoria Park in Round 7 of 1971. Not bad for a 20 year old alternating between the wing & ruck-roving. Then again there was also his 7 goals against Carlton at Princess Park in 1969 when was just 18 years old & playing as a young ruck-rover. By the way, I was there at Moorabbin with a few mates on that day of infamy & I can tell you all that it was a very volatile atmosphere not only during the game but especially on the walk back to the local train station. O'Dea should have been banned for life as well as he should have been facing criminal assault charges. I have no doubt that he would have won the Brownlow in 1972 & ultimately gone onto captain Collingwood. Even in 1977 he would have only been 26 & more likely than not hitting his peak. It still makes me incredibly sad when I think of that entire situation. Bye.Round 9 1972 vs Geelong = 46 disposals, 6 goals.
Round 10 1972 vs South Melbourne = 45 disposals, 4 goals.
Remarkable stats even in this day and age. Very sad what happened only a few weeks later.
We were robbed one of our greatest talents fulfilling his full potential.