At 30 years of age, Collingwood midfielder Shane O’Bree has continued to impress supporters and coaches with his ability to readily improve season after season. In his 12th year at the highest level, O’Bree averaged his highest disposal output since 2000 (22.6) with 21.8. He was also the leader in tackles at the club with 4.8 a game (career-high) and second in the club with contested possessions (189).
Crucial to the Magpies’ midfield, O’Bree led the side in clearances for the fourth straight year with 112 and played in every match this year (25) making him one of the most durable players in the game missing only three games in the last five seasons. He will prove to be a strong guidance next season with the young Magpie midfield.
2009 highlights
Round nine v West Coast: The veteran ran with star onballer Daniel Kerr for most of the night and limited the midfielder to nine touches in 45 minutes. Conversely, O’Bree registered 17 possessions and five clearances during the match up.
Round 20 v Richmond: In his highest disposal output of the season, O’Bree collected 33 touches in a 93-point drubbing of Richmond. He complimented his possession tally with five inside 50s and five tackles to make it a complete game.
Mark Neeld: Again, he played the majority of the season in the midfield and that midfield group was very, very good. Shane is a vital cog in the way that midfield group operates as he works incredibly hard. His tackling is a feature.
2009 AFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | G | B | T | C |
| 25 | 10.4/58.3% | 11.4/85.6% | 21.8/72.6% | 2.6 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
CTV
