O’Donohue’s Football Passion Extends to All Abilities Game

Jehb O’Donohue expects to be a little more off the chain with Swan Districts this WAFL season, but in the bigger picture he couldn’t imagine anything better than being a disability support worker and combining that with football too.

O’Donohue has now played 51 WAFL games since making his debut at Swan Districts with 2021 with the 23-year-old coming into his fifth season and looking to continue his emergence as a versatile midfielder.

He has built his reputation as one of the most effective run-with players in the competition but has always felt he could also play in a more attacking role and he thinks that balance might start to change in 2025.

“You’ll still probably see me match up against the oppositions best mids at stoppages and that’s probably me doing that individually as I love to embrace taking on the toughest tasks and love the competition,” O’Donohue said.

“I think you’ll see me ‘off the chain’ a little more this year, which I’m super excited for. Obviously had my tagging role last year, and will still have that under my sleeve if we ever need it, but super keen to play as an inside mid with a bit more freedom and showcase how I can benefit the team not just defensively but offensively too.”

Beyond anything happening with his own game personally, O’Donohue just can’t wait to get the 2025 season underway this Saturday when Swan Districts plays host to West Perth at Steel Blue Oval.

On the back of reaching the preliminary final last year and getting to play that at home before the heartbreaking loss to Peel Thunder, O’Donohue is excited for what 2025 will hold for the black-and-whites.

“I can’t wait to get the season underway on Saturday. Obviously falling one game short of the GF last year has only made me hungrier to get there this year so looking forward to working towards that,” he said.

“We’re feeling super confident, I think we have a lot of depth in our squad now with a good group of young guys coming up which is important to have with injuries throughout the season.

“I think if we can keep building on our unity as a group it will put us in good stead to hopefully make that one extra step to the GF this season.”

Away from football, O’Donohue has a real passion to work with people with disabilities and now has his own business with an emphasis on health and fitness with his interest in that field all started when his family brought a new family member with Cerebral Palsy on board.

“Growing up my mum did a lot of work with those with disabilities and we even had the privilege as a family to foster a young girl with Cerebral Palsy for over five years which opened my eyes to a lot of things,” he said.

“So by having these experiences I saw firsthand how rewarding it is to help better someone’s life living with a disability so knew I wanted to get involved in it!”

O’Donohue has a great passion for the work he is now doing and the way his business is evolving, but he also has an eye on ways it can continue to grow as well.

“I’d love to eventually have my own gym space tailored specifically for those living with a disability, helping them to reach their specific needs and goals on the basis of health and fitness! Definitely something I’m currently working towards,” O’Donohue said.

“I have my own Private Disability Support Work business where I do community access with an emphasis on health and fitness! I’ve combined my Personal Training accreditation into it as well, often taking my guys to the gym or doing Footy skills sessions etc.

“I love seeing how much it means to them, puts a big smile on my face seeing them achieve their goals as people! They deserve just as much as any other person and is often a good reminder that there is always someone else doing things a bit tougher in life!”

That naturally leads into O’Donohue blending his football insights and work with people with disabilities, and it’s only fitting for him to be involved in the ever-growing All Abilities game.

Swan Districts has its own All Abilities team which O’Donohue helps out with where he can while he also had an official involved in Western Australia’s All Abilities team in 2024 which is only going to build on in 2025.

“It’s such an awesome space! I’m super glad we as a club have our own team within the integrated competition,” O’Donohue said.

“If you have never been down to an All Abilities football game I’d absolutely recommend it! Talk about passion and effort, the guys/girls play with so much of it and it is truly eye opening! Think all us players within the senior group could take a few notes on the passion and comradery those guys have for each other!

“I did some volunteering last year with the State All Abilities program and that was awesome! I’ve recently now stepped into a role working with the WAAAFA (West Australian All Abilities Football Association) doing some footy clinics at education support centres and looking at becoming an assistant coach for the upcoming State Carnival for the All Abilities side in November!”