Fremantle midfielder Nathan O’Driscoll has shared that he lost almost 10 kilograms while recovering from knee surgery earlier this year.
O’Driscoll underwent two knee surgeries in 2024, after a blood clot was discovered beneath his kneecap late in the pre-season. He had to undergo a second procedure for the same issue just a month later.
The second surgery kept the 22-year-old out of action for several months, marking a frustrating beginning to his fourth year with Fremantle.
O’Driscoll admitted that he feared he “wouldn’t play footy again this year” due to a post-surgery infection, leaving him sidelined until July, when he finally played his fourth match of the season.
Upon his return in the WAFL with Peel, O’Driscoll made a positive impact, kicking three goals from 15 disposals. He focused on rebuilding his body following the long rehabilitation process.
For much of the remainder of the season, O’Driscoll continued playing in the WAFL, but he eventually rejoined Fremantle for the final two home-and-away games, before linking back up with the Thunder for their successful premiership campaign.
In a conversation on Monday, O’Driscoll reflected on his recovery, noting that his knee is now feeling strong and healthy as he looks forward to the 2025 season.
“It’s been good, it’s holding up well since I came back and played a couple of games towards the end of the 2024 season,” O’Driscoll said. “[The surgery scar] is pretty gnarly. I initially thought I could recover quickly, but after another 14 weeks out, I thought I might not play again this year due to the severe infection.”
He continued, “Thankfully, I had great support to get my body back in shape. I was lucky to play two AFL games and then participate in the Peel finals series, capping it off with a flag win. I lost almost 10kgs, going under 80kgs, so it felt like I was being drafted again, rebuilding my body.”
The first knee injury occurred during a practice match against West Coast, which had been intended as an opportunity for O’Driscoll to showcase his pre-season form.
The unexpected injury caused him to lose his spot on the wing, but he is determined to reclaim it during the upcoming summer.
“I did the entire pre-season last year and played well in the practice match against West Coast, but that’s when the injury happened,” he said. “It was deflating, but I’m happy with how things turned out. I managed to play a few games in the end, and now I’m aiming to play my best footy this year. Breaking into the team is tough, but I think the wing spot is open. I’ve also developed the ability to play inside, though I expect to play wing this year.”
O’Driscoll also highlighted draftee Charlie Nicholls as a player to watch in the future, praising his impressive marking abilities.
“I’d say Charlie Nicholls is one to keep an eye on,” O’Driscoll noted. “He’s from rural South Australia and has been taking marks all over the place. He’s definitely catching the attention of the group.”
Fremantle’s pre-season will begin with a match against the Indigenous All Stars in mid-February, followed by a game against Melbourne at Ruston Park on March 2 as part of the 2025 Community Series.
The Dockers are set to face Geelong in their Round 1 clash at Kardinia Park just under two weeks later to kick off the season.