Young winger Nathan O’Driscoll has signed a two-year contract extension with Fremantle to see him remain at the Club until at least the end of season 2026.

Selected with pick 27 in the 2020 National Draft, O’Driscoll has played 24 AFL games, including the final two matches of 2024 after a frustrating run with injuries throughout the year.

Known for his passionate love for the Club, O’Driscoll said the contract extension was a "dream come true”.

“I am stoked to say that I have signed on for two years,” O’Driscoll said.

“It means the world to me. I grew up a Freo supporter from day dot.

“When I was six years old, I had Fyfe’s (Nat Fyfe) shirt on. I loved him and Matthew Pavlich. To finally get it over and done with and stay here – it’s a dream come true.”

The young midfielder said he was grateful to make his return to football after knee surgery threatened to derail his season.

“I got through my first full pre-season without any injuries which was really good, but unfortunately, during the first game (match simulation) against West Coast in pre-season I experienced a knee issue,” O’Driscoll reflected.

“I got a blood clot just under my kneecap. I missed three or four weeks after that and managed to get back and play, but after three or four games it happened again, so I had to go under the knife. I missed about 10 or 12 weeks in total.

“Initially I thought I wasn’t going to play again this year. I was in hospital for three weeks and there was a point where I thought I might not even play footy again, so to get back and play those last two games at AFL level was great.

“I just wanted to get back and play at any level of footy. That was my main goal and I was lucky enough to do that.”

Named sub against GWS in Round 23, O’Driscoll played a full game against Port Adelaide in Round 24 as an inside midfielder, with the explosive 22-year-old gathering 20 disposals, four marks and a goal.

“I’ve transitioned from the wing to more of a tagging inside mid now. I think next year I’ll be a winger, but I can flip inside and if they need a role on someone, I can do that,” O’Driscoll said.

“I got a lot of confidence out of that game at the end (against Port Adelaide).

“I now know I have the ability to play inside and play a different role, which I’m really confident with."

Fremantle Head of Player Personnel David Walls shares the same view.

“It’s been a frustrating year with a couple of injuries setting him back, but Nathan showed what he’s capable of when he returned for the last couple of AFL games and he also stepped up for Peel in the WAFL finals,” Walls said.

“His game is still improving and he’s being rewarded for the hard work he’s putting in on and off the track.

“If he keeps working hard and has a bit of luck next year, there’s no reason he can’t become a permanent fixture in our AFL side.”