Home
Search
thewest.com.au‌‌
ProfilesChevron Right IconCraig O'Donoghue
Photo of Craig O'Donoghue

Craig O'DonoghueSports Journalist

Craig O'Donoghue is part of The West Australian's sports writing team. He joined The West Australian in 2000 and spent 2013-14 working in the Melbourne bureau. He now focuses on AFL and basketball.

Email Craig O'DonoghueX @Craig_ODonoghue
Jagga Smith.

opinion
opinion
AFLVideoCommentsPremium
opinion
Trading the Jagga Smith pick could haunt Eagles until 2040

Jagga Smith’s brilliant debut for Carlton on Thursday was a reminder to West Coast fans that the club traded away pick three in 2024 and they could now spend the midfielder’s entire career wondering what if?

Craig O'Donoghue

Hayden Young will prove key in 2026.

AFLCommentsNeed for speed? Longmuir in depth on Freo’s biggest question

Fremantle are constantly criticised for being too slow, so coach Justin Longmuir has given a thorough analysis of how and why the Dockers play like they do and what to expect during 2026.

Craig O'Donoghue

David Duke.

BasketballCommentsPremiumTime for Duke to return to starting five? JR makes the call

Perth Wildcats struggled to handle the pressure South East Melbourne applied to ball handlers on Wednesday, so is it time to put David Duke back into the starting five? Coach John Rillie provides his answer.

Craig O'Donoghue

Perth Wildcats got thrashed.

BasketballCommentsPremiumGood old fashioned butt kicking: Cats coach pulls no punches

Perth Wildcats got blown off the court by South East Melbourne Phoenix on Wednesday night and coach John Rillie wasn’t about to give his players excuses for the way they performed on the finals stage.

Craig O'Donoghue

Perth Wildcats will face South East Melbourne Phoenix on Wednesday night.

BasketballCommentsPremiumGive him the ball! Wildcats urged to make star a priority

Perth Wildcats will play South East Melbourne Phoenix on Wednesday for the right to advance to the NBL semifinals and one expert has made it clear that their road to victory rests in one man’s hands.

Craig O'Donoghue

Hayden Young is expected to be fit for round one.

updated
updated
AFLCommentsPremium
updated
Young in the clear after training mishap

Midfielder Hayden Young has been cleared of serious injury and is expected to be available for Fremantle’s season opener against Geelong after he was forced out of Tuesday’s main practice session with soreness.

Craig O'Donoghue and Glen Quartermain

Brittany Bown & Nic Natanui, Kristian & Mackie Doolittle and Kate Rafferty & Amelia Bath.

SEE THE PICSCamera IconPremiumGlitz and glam as Wildcats stars celebrate awards night

Perth Wildcats fans packed into Crown Ballroom on Saturday night to celebrate their season and pay tribute to import Kristian Doolittle.

Craig O'Donoghue

Dylan Windler looms large for Perth in the postseason.

BasketballCommentsPremiumWildcats banged up heading into crunch postseason clash

Perth Wildcats import Dylan Windler has revealed he spent the last rounds of the season playing a with a significant foot injury, while a key teammate may be missing in action for Wednesday’s seeding qualifier.

Craig O'Donoghue

Perth Lynx lost the grand final again.

BasketballCommentsPremiumPain is worse than 2024 but Lynx urged to keep chasing glory

Perth Lynx lost their third grand final in five years on Sunday and the players were left devastated as the came to terms with the defeat, but their coach had one clear message amid the heartache.

Craig O'Donoghue

Perth Lynx have suffered another devastating grand final defeat.

BasketballCommentsTorture: Perth Lynx lose WNBL grand final in overtime

Perth Lynx have suffered another devastating grand final defeat, with Townsville Fire winning the WNBL championship in a game that went to overtime.

Craig O'Donoghue

Alex Ciabattoni.

BasketballCommentsI want the pressure: Lynx workhorse ready to lead way in GF

Perth Lynx must beat Townsville in Sunday’s WNBL grand final to force a game three, and while their home grand finals in 2022 and 2024 were heartbreaking, star Alex Ciabattoni has learnt one clear lesson.

Craig O'Donoghue

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 13: Kristian Doolittle of the Wildcats drives to the key during the round 21 NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Brisbane Bullets at RAC Arena, on February 13, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

BasketballCommentsDoolittle has done plenty - and now he’s Wildcats’ MVP

Perth Wildcats import Kristian Doolittle’s superb season was recognised on Saturday night when he won the Gordon Ellis Medal as the club’s Most Valuable Player.

Craig O'Donoghue