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John Daniel O'Brien (17 August 1898 – 30 May 1966) was an Australian rules footballer who played with Essendon and Footscray in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
O'Brien began playing senior football for Essendon in the VFL in 1920, but in 1921 crossed to Footscray in the Victorian Football Association without a clearance. He played as a half-forward for Footscray for the next four seasons and was part of two premierships. In 1925, when Footscray joined the VFL, O'Brien was unable to remain with the club due to his suspension from the VFL for leaving Essendon without a clearance, and he consequently played for country and junior clubs for the three-year period of his disqualification from 1925 until 1927. O'Brien successfully sued Footscray for £70 in potential match payments that he missed in 1925 and 1926 as a result of the suspension, owing to a clause to that effect in his original agreement with Footscray which covered the eventuality of the club joining the VFL.
After his suspension ended, he played five VFL matches for Footscray in 1928. He then returned to the VFA, playing with Coburg in 1929 and coaching Williamstown in the 1930 VFA season.
