Fremantle defender Emma O’Driscoll made a triumphant return to the field in the recent western derby, overcoming concerns surrounding a recent concussion. O’Driscoll, a prominent player for the Fremantle Dockers, had been sidelined for one match following her head knock during a game against North Melbourne.
The emotional weight of her situation is heightened by the fact that her brother, Aiden O’Driscoll, was forced to retire from professional football due to a significant head injury. Aiden, who was only 18 years old, suffered the injury during his first pre-season with the Western Bulldogs in May 2024. For the O’Driscoll family, deeply rooted in football, this has been a challenging period.
Despite these personal challenges, Emma emphasized that her focus remained on her recovery and return to the game. “It was never a case of ‘I won’t be able to play football again,’ so I just tried to keep my focus on what I could do to get better,” she stated.
O’Driscoll acknowledged the anxiety that comes with head injuries. “It’s pretty scary — it’s your brain you’re talking about, rather than a body part,” she explained. “I certainly do get a bit anxious around that topic, not only with Aiden, just for my own health as well.” Still, she received tremendous support from her family, who rallied around her during this difficult time.
Returning to play after missing Fremantle’s loss to Sydney, O’Driscoll expressed her excitement to be back on the field. “I’m probably the worst player to be on the sidelines watching; I am very loud and I get very passionate about the girls,” she said, highlighting her eagerness to contribute to her team’s efforts.
Coach Lisa Webb remarked on O’Driscoll’s determination, noting that she had been keenly advocating for her return to the lineup. “I felt really helpless against Sydney not being able to be out there with the girls,” O’Driscoll added.
Her return not only allowed her to play but also enabled her to reconnect with her teammates, which she described as a joyful experience. “It’s incredible being back out there on field with them and just playing my role,” she said.
While the concussion created challenges, O’Driscoll focused on the positives during her time away from the game. “As much as I didn’t get the opportunity to play, there were so many other really positives that came out of it,” she noted, mentioning her role in supporting teammates and fostering team spirit.
O’Driscoll’s journey underscores the importance of resilience and support in sports, particularly concerning health and safety. As she continues her career, her experience serves as a reminder of the challenging realities athletes face and the strength required to overcome them.
