Born in North Boorhaman, Brendon played for the Cats at both junior and senior levels and featured in four preliminary finals with the club.
His voluntary experience began three years ago as assistant coach, when former under 12s coach and good friend Dallas, reintroduced him to the Cats as his assistant.
A door opened for Brendon to became head coach of the team after Dallas earned a call up to manage the reserves at the end of 2023.
Brendon takes pride in handing down his knowledge of the game onto the youth, who he said are vital for the club's growth.
“I like the fact that when we volunteer, we are making the place better for our kids and future kids coming through.”
“I like the fact that when we volunteer, we are making the place better for our kids and future kids coming through,” he said.
“I try and do my bit, a lot of people do a lot of work to keep the club running and running successfully.”
The O’Donoghue family are well acquainted with the Rutherglen Cats with wife Melissa acting as both committee member and team manager for her husband’s team.
Their three children all play for the Cats as well.
Club president Greg Lumby said how valued both Brendon and wife Melissa had been for the Cats, and how volunteers across the club made a difference.
“They’re amazing, both of them; they are the people you can always turn to,” Greg said.
“They are the type who will ask if you need help, and for years they’ve been tireless workers around the club and the ones you can’t do without.
“Across the board we have fantastic volunteers.”
