Lochie grew up in rural Victoria and played junior football for the South Mildura Football Club.[1] Growing up a Collingwood fan, his grandfather Denis managed to play a single senior game for the Magpies in 1971.[2] Lochie had a promising athletics career growing up, breaking regional records in the 400 and 1500m categories and eventually breaking the state's school record with a time of 51.06 seconds.[1] His impressive sporting background gave him the opportunity to attend Geelong Grammar School.[3] It was not long before he was picked up by the Bendigo Pioneers of the TAC Cup.[3]
O'Brien played regular senior football in his first two seasons, appearing in 35 of 44 matches, before falling out of favour and playing only six across in 2020 and 2021. He was demoted from the club's senior list to its rookie list for the 2022 season. At the end of 2023 Afl season he was delisted from the Carlton Football Club[7]
Statistics
Statistics are correct to the end of round 23, 2022.[8]