Another fledgling Docker has bought into the Fremantle rise, with Nathan O'Driscoll putting pen to paper on a two-year contract extension.
The 20-year-old debuted in Round 20 as the medical sub against the Saints and has played a total of seven games.
Of his season thus far, his highlight game was against GWS, where he kicked two goals, had 20 disposals and six tackles.
Having failed to feature in Justin Longmuir's lineup during his debut season of 2021, O'Driscoll says he had his doubts heading into 2022.
"Iโm signing on with Freo for another two years. Iโm stoked and really happy with it," OโDriscoll toldย fremantlefc.com.au.
"Itโs been challenging at times, not playing all of last year and then only having this year of my contract left, so I was a bit nervous going into pre-season.
"I knew if I stuck to it, had a good pre-season and got the work under my belt, I was going to be fine. I was lucky enough to break through to the team and play decent footy, so Iโm stoked to sign on."
Despite the Dockers being eclipsed by the Saints during O'Driscoll's debut, the lifelong Freo supporter has tasted success in each of his appearances since, featuring in Freo's six-game win streak between rounds 3 and 8.
Unfortunately, a foot injury against North Melbourne in Round 8 has him out of the team but he's happy to see the team's recent success, despite his absence.
"Weโre playing really good footy at the moment and it was good to see the boys get a good win on the weekend against Melbourne, who are a really good team," he said.
"I grew up supporting Freo and itโs good to see weโve slowly built in the past five years in the draft and getting new faces through the system and going up the ladder."
The midfielder looks to return later this season, and hopes to make an impact come finals time.
"Iโve got a scan early next week and that will determine how quickly weโll ramp things up. If itโs good news, it might only be a couple more weeks, if itโs negative Iโm not sure. Iโm definitely going to be back this year at some time," OโDriscoll said.
"My aim is to get back into the team, Iโm going to have to go back through the WAFL. Iโll stick to it, play good footy and take my opportunity if it comes.
"I want to play finals with this team and make it far in finals."
Fremantle will host the Lions on Sunday at 5.20pm (AEST).
