If you thought Nathan O’Driscoll was off to a flyer to start his AFL career, you weren’t wrong, with the numbers backing up the wingers’ impressive showing after three full AFL games.
Ignoring O’Driscoll’s debut – coming on as a medical sub in the final term of Fremantle’s round two clash against St Kilda – he ranks highly in Fremantle history for the most metres gained in a players’ first three games at the Club.
He is fifth overall out of all players and second for those who made their debut at Fremantle with 1285 metres gained from three games, running at an average of 428 per game.
This includes his 532 metres gained against Essendon in Fremantle’s 48-point win on Sunday, alongside his 22 disposals, eight contested possessions, six inside 50s and three clearances.
O’Driscoll trails only Jayden Pitt for metres gained in their first three AFL games at Fremantle. Taken at no.20 in the 2010 National Draft, Pitt unfortunately had to retire after two seasons due to a heart irregularity.
He is ahead of another Fremantle hard-luck story in Anthony Morabito, who had 1227 metres gained in his first three AFL games, while rising star winner Rhys Palmer had 1270 metres gained in his first appearances.
The 19-year-old is also ahead of the likes of Bradley Hill (1138) and James Aish (1084) in their first three games at Fremantle after joining from other clubs.
|
Player |
Games played before Freo debut |
MG |
Avg MG |
|
Nathan Wilson |
77 |
1537 |
512 |
|
Danyle Pearce |
154 |
1409 |
470 |
|
Jordan Clark |
32 |
1360 |
453 |
|
Jayden Pitt |
0 |
1360 |
453 |
|
Nathan O'Driscoll |
0 |
1285 |
428 |
|
Rhys Palmer |
0 |
1270 |
423 |
|
Anthony Morabito |
0 |
1227 |
409 |
|
Bradley Hill |
95 |
1138 |
379 |
|
James Aish |
82 |
1084 |
361 |
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Fellow 2020 draftee Michael Frederick has seen O’Driscoll’s development up front and has been impressed with the winger’s start to his AFL career.
“Drizzy he’s been going really well, it seemed to be every time I looked up he was getting the ball on the outside and taking a few bounces,” Frederick said post-game following Fremantle’s win against Essendon.
“It’s good to see him string a few games now and consistent games as well. I’m loving his effort out there and his work rate.
“He’s come a long way from last year to now so I think it’s a lot of reward for effort and it’s good to see him getting a go and having good games.”
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