Fremantle defender Jordan Clark has praised the return of winger Nathan O’Driscoll in Thursday night’s win over the Bombers.

The 23-year-old had started the season in strong form at AFL level, averaging 21 disposals, three marks, and 4.8 tackles across his first four games before injuring his ankle against the Bulldogs in Round 4.

“I thought everyone as a collective tonight was really, really good,” Clark said post-game on 6PR.

“I think that was a full team performance and one that we should be proud of as a Club.

“He (O’Driscoll) was very good. I’m super proud of O’Driscoll - he’s one I work closely with - and his AFL career has had its ups and downs, sometimes through no fault of his own, with injury and stuff like that.

“For him to keep fighting, getting better, and coming back in better shape - and sticking at it in Peel for a couple more weeks than he would have liked - I thought his performance tonight was outstanding.

“He’s one that will do anything we ask of him.”

O’Driscoll gathered 17 disposals, seven marks, and kicked a goal in his comeback game, but most impressively, his highlight moment came in the setup play for Caleb Serong’s second goal.

O’Driscoll courageously went back with the flight of the ball, getting a clutch fist in to spoil the ball from Essendon’s Will Setterfield, forcing the turnover and ending with a Fremantle goal.

Clark went on to talk about how beneficial the Club’s stretch of home fixtures has been for the team, with Fremantle still to play St Kilda in Round 16 at Optus before travelling to Sydney.

“I think it’s starting to show in our footy that if we get to spend a bit more time at home, like the rest of the teams do, it’s quite advantageous.

“I think it’s a great initiative what the AFL is doing - trying to even up the competition in that respect (travel for WA teams) - and it’s been awesome for us.

“There are blokes who are dads with young kids, and to be able to spend a month at home with them… It’s massive.”

Speaking on the return from the mid-season bye, Clark said the break came at a good time, but the best footy was still to come.

“We got ourselves back into the season.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but we’ve set ourselves up in a pretty good position.

“After the bye it was about recovering, looking after the bodies - but now we’re going to launch into the back half of the year.”