Heritier Lumumba

Who is Heritier Lumumba?

Heritier "Harry" Lumumba is a professional Australian rules footballer in the Australian Football League. Until December 2013 he was known as Harry O'Brien, before he chose to revert to the name of his biological father.

The 187 cm Lumumba, who has played most of his football as a medium defender, has the distinction of being the first Brazilian-born player in the Australian Football League. He was picked up with pick 21 in the 2004 AFL Rookie Draft by Collingwood, and made his debut in Round 18 of 2005 against Fremantle at the MCG. He kicked a great goal against the Kangaroos shortly after his debut, and did enough to be retained on the rookie list. In 2006 Harry showed more improvement and was elevated to the senior list again during the year, this time due to the absence of Sean Rusling, playing a total of 9 games.

Coach Mick Malthouse at one point in an interview challenged the AFL's rules on rookies in response to not being able to permanently play Lumumba in the seniors on the basis of his excellent form.

He was elevated to the senior list for season 2007. In 2008, he came 5th in the Copeland Trophy count, Collingwood's Best and Fairest.