Fremantle forward Sam Switkowski says midfielder Hayden Young’s return from a 10-week layoff with a hamstring injury was one to be proud of. 

Speaking at his Tuesday afternoon media conference, Switkowski explained how he is familiar with the struggles of returning at a high level following stints on the sidelines. 

Young was substituted into the game during the third quarter against Collingwood, gathering 11 disposals, three rebound 50s and three inside 50s – one which resulted in Luke Jackson’s crucial goal in the fourth term.

“It was really good to see him back. I think he was in the tempo of the game, which is pleasing after having such a stint out,” Switkowski said. 

“I know firsthand how hard it can be when you’ve been out for a little while and then the coaches put a lot of trust in you to come straight back in and be able to perform. 

“I think he did a great job. It’s a good stepping stone for him to hopefully get a few more minutes this week.” 

Switkowski himself returned to Fremantle’s side in Round 18 against Hawthorn after missing three games, kicking a career-high three goals and earning the highest player rating by Champion Data in that game.

He followed up those efforts against the Pies in his 100th AFL game, rating as Fremantle’s fifth-highest player afield. 

Although the side has won eight of the last nine games, Switkowski says the team is taking nothing for granted ahead of Saturday’s RAC Derby. 

“We just try to stay really present every day and not be too focused on past results or future games coming up,” Switkowski said. 

“It can be very easy as a footballer, coming up against an opposition, to think about the last time you played them and what happened, or where a team is on the ladder – or whatever it is – and start to build a narrative in your head. 

“We’ve just learned over the year, and over a number of years, that sort of thinking doesn’t help us at all. 

“Just coming in and getting the most out of our training, our meetings, our gym sessions, recovering well, and preparing for our next opposition – doing all those things as best we can every week – is what sets us up best to perform.”