Fremantle midfielder Nathan O'Driscoll has revealed he lost close to 10 kilograms of weight during his recovery from knee surgery this year.
O'Driscoll underwent surgery on a troublesome knee twice in 2024, having discovered a blood clot under his kneecap late into the pre-season before dealing with the same issue a month later.
The second of two surgeries placed the 22-year-old out for multiple months, adding to a frustrating start to his fourth year in purple.
O'Driscoll thought he "wasn't going to play footy again this year" due to an infection after the second operation, with the winger left to wait until July to feature in his fourth game for the season.
His WAFL return with Peel was fruitful, kicking three goals from 15 disposals as he needed to build his body "back up" in the wake of his rehabilitation.
O'Driscoll spent most of the remaining rounds of the year in the WAFL but would return to Justin Longmuir's side for Fremantle's last two home and away season games prior to linking up with the Thunder once again on their road to a premiership win.
Speaking on Monday, O'Driscoll, who detailed the extent of his recovery, said his knee is feeling healthy ahead of the 2025 season.
"It's been good, it's holding up and has been good since I returned and played a couple of games at the end (of the 2024 season)," O'Driscoll said.ย "[The surgery scar] is pretty gnarly.
"I thought I could be back pretty quick and then after going under and facing another 14 (weeks out)... initially I thought I wasn't going to play footy again this year, because the infection was pretty bad.
"But I had all the help around me to get my body right and get back. I was lucky enough to play two AFL games, and then to play in the Peel finals series and win the flag was unreal.
"I think I lost nearly 10kgs and went under 80kgs. It was pretty much like being drafted again and building my body back up."
O'Driscoll's first knee issue arose in the club's practice match against West Coast, with the game initially staged as a platform for the young midfielder to put his pre-season work to action.
The untimely setback saw him lose his spot on the wing, with O'Driscoll determined to win it back this summer.
"I did the whole pre-season last year and played pretty well in the practice game against West Coast, which was when I did the injury," he added.
"It was pretty deflating, but I'm happy it all worked out and I got to play a few games in the end. Hopefully I can put my best foot forward this year and play some good footy.
"(Breaking into the team) is tough, but I think the wing spot is definitely open. I have the ability to play inside now as well but likely the wing spot this year."
As for the annual pre-season standout, O'Driscoll has named draftee Charlie Nicholls as "one to keep an eye on" in the future, with the Central District product impressing with his marking abilities.
O'Driscoll said Nicholls has been quick to catch the attention of his new teammates as he looks to make his way in the AFL.
"I would say Charlie Nicholls. He's one to keep an eye on," the Dockers wingman said.
"He's from the country in SA and he's been plucking marks left, right and centre."
Fremantle's pre-season will see them face the Indigenous All Stars in mid-February before hosting Melbourne at Ruston Park on Sunday, March 2 as part of the 2025 Community Series.
The Dockers are scheduled for a Round 1 bout against Geelong at Kardinia Park less than two weeks later to start their season.
