Born in Sydney in 1954, Steve O’Connor joined Eastern Suburbs-Hakoah where his height and physique marked him as a central defender.
He played in winning Easts sides until the NSL was formed in 1977. The club went on to win four of the first six league titles.
Dominant in the air and hard to pass, O’Connor made his international debut against New Zealand in 1979.
He gained further selection against England in 1983, and was a member of the Merlion Cup winning team in Singapore later that year.
In 1984 O’Connor toured China and Europe and went on to play against Israel and Scotland in the 1986 World Cup campaign.
During his distinguished career, O’Connor appeared 44 times for Australia (15 'A' Internationals) and scored three goals.
He has since held coaching positions at the Australian Institute of Sport, with the Young Socceroos, Sydney FC, in Hong Kong, and Wollongong Wolves.
Hall of Fame 2003 Inductees
