The playing return of defender Alex Morcom was one of many welcome sights for the Bombers at Windy Hill on Sunday.

The 27-year-old was a key contributor to the Bombers’ 20-point victory over Fremantle, looking solid in defence with 13 disposals and seven intercept possessions.

After missing the opening three rounds through niggling injury troubles, Morcom was jumping at the opportunity to join her teammates in the midst of their strong start to the 2023 season.

“I tried to manage the nerves,” Morcom said.

“I was so excited to get the opportunity to get back out there. During the week I just tried to hit the track and make sure I got the most out of that, and it came into the game today.

“It was just so good to be back out there with the girls, they really got around me getting back into it and the crowd was incredible.”

The return marked Morcom’s first AFLW match at Windy Hill, with the Dons faithful rallying in support of a stirring second half display.

With two games still to come at the ground this season for the Bombers, Morcom agrees that the presence of a home crowd is giving the side a fresh advantage from last season.

“You could hear (the crowd) from the stands and that really spurred us on. It was a great four quarters of footy for us,” Morcom said.

“(The Bomber fans) are incredible. Running out of the race and hearing them behind you is amazing and we really appreciate the support.”

Building to a 3-1 record for the season brings the Bombers within just one win of matching their tally from 2022, and Morcom believes the confidence of the group is propelling them week-by-week.

“We’ve shown a lot of growth off our season last year and that just keeps continuing this season,” Morcom said.

“Obviously we’ll look to focus on Collingwood next week, we know they’ll be a challenge and each week we just try and step it up another notch.”