A new number and a new role but Gabby O’Sullivan is drawing inspiration from the past to motivate her midfield move.

Wearing the number nine on her back after switching from 22, O’Sullivan has been a revelation for Fremantle in the centre square.

But as it turns out, O’Sullivan has sought inspiration from a former numerical companion.

“I changed my number this year and wanted to play like Ben Cousins,” O’Sullivan joked.

O’Sullivan last started in the midfield in Fremantle’s first-ever AFLW game against the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval in 2017.

But Fremantle’s finals exit last season exposed their lack of midfield depth, prompting O’Sullivan to play midfield for East Fremantle in the WAFLW.

Half-back turned midfielder Phil Seth was set to partner Kiara Bowers and Hayley Miller at stoppages but an untimely ankle injury in Fremantle’s sole pre-season hitout has put her season in doubt.

O’Sullivan has been the beneficiary, averaging 14 disposals and 6.7 tackles Fremantle’s opening three wins.

“Unfortunately I’ve been the one to benefit from a bad situation,” O’Sullivan said.

“Phil had a massive pre-season in the midfield and was going to be one of our standout players but I had the confidence as well that I’d played and trained through the midfield throughout pre-season.

“I was still going to play a bit of midfield regardless.

“What we have right now, I flip through the forward line for about four minutes a quarter to give myself a bit of a rest before I come to the bench.

“I think it would have been similar but in reverse. So I would’ve played 80 per cent in the forward line and 20 per cent in the midfield, giving one of those girls a rest.

“To the coaches credit as well, everyone has gotten around me and given me the confidence I could play through the middle. I’ve been loving it. It’s tough but it’s a rewarding position.”

O’Sullivan’s midfield move has also been made easier by the company.

“To be honest, I’ve got all of the confidence in the world to know that Turbo and Hayley are right there beside me so if I make a mistake, they’re going to be there to support me,” She said.

“When Turbo goes to work, you want to get the popcorn out and watch. Sometimes I get caught standing there just watching her. You wonder how she does it.

“She’s got so much fire in her and so much heart, you always know you’re in a good place if you’ve got her on your side. I’m very fortunate and very lucky to play alongside her.”

On Thursday, Fremantle will aim to continue their winning streak against an unbeaten Collingwood in a tantalising top four clash.

O’Sullivan believes there is no better time to face the Magpies.

“We’re all together, spending time together and we’ve got that chemistry and cohesion going on,” she said.

“We’ve now got three good weeks under our belt and it’s all clicking for us at the moment.

“It would be a statement but at the same time, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we play the way we have been.”