Hayden Young has gone all in on Fremantle’s future, signing a four-year contract extension that will see him in purple until at least the end of the 2027 season.
The deal comes on top of his existing contract until the end of 2023, an almost six-year commitment when including the remainder of the 2022 season.
The Victorian was Fremantle’s first selection from a bumper 2019 NAB AFL Draft at no.7, drafted ahead of Caleb Serong at no.8, Liam Henry at no.9, and Michael Frederick at no.61.
He’s played 21 games since then, while battling through a season-ending ankle injury in 2020 and a significant hamstring injury in 2021.
The skilful half back was nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star Award following Fremantle’s round 20 win against Richmond in 2021 after a 23-disposal and nine-intercept performance.
The contract extension makes Young Fremantle’s most committed player for the long term in what he said was an ‘easy decision’.
“I’m really invested in the Footy Club, I’m really passionate about the direction we’re heading and I really want to be a part of it,” Young said.
“Perth’s home now, so I feel really comfortable here. I’ve really enjoyed my football over the past three years. I’ve felt the support from the Club, and the broader Freo community have really made me enjoy living here and enjoy playing for this Football Club.
“Now I feel it’s my turn to give back to the Freo family and play some good footy over the next couple of years.”
Young will be 27 in the final season of his new contract and is optimistic about where he can get to individually, while being eager to add different dimensions to his game.
“It’s pretty weird to think that far ahead (to 2027), at this rate I’m just trying to be the best half backer I can possibly be for the team and hopefully, I can play my role each week and keep winning games,” Young said.
“In the future my role might change, hopefully I can add some new strings to my bow and develop in different areas, but at this point I’m just focusing on this year and having a good season.”
The 21-year-old is just one cog in a youthful and talented backline and is excited to develop alongside his fellow defenders.
“That’s one of the parts of extending that I was most excited about - coming up with a young group of players that are already playing a lot of footy. It looks like it’s going to be an exciting future together,” Young said.
“Guys like (Heath) Chapman, (Jordan) Clark, (Brandon) Walker just to name a few…they’re young backmen that I’ve had great fun playing alongside over the last year. I feel a lot more confident running out with those three because they’re all a lot quicker than me! If I’m ever going to chase someone, I know they’re going to get the job done.
“I feel our strengths all complement each other and together, we’re a pretty strong unit.”
Fremantle Head of Player Personnel David Walls said the Club was thrilled to have a player of Young’s calibre sign a significant contract extension.
“It’s how committed he’s been to improving his own football in the time he’s been with us, and then just how much he’s poured into Fremantle, what we’re trying to achieve and what we’re trying to grow. He’s a vital cog in that,” Walls said.
“I spoke to his management and it all progressed pretty quickly. He’s in, he’s committed and we were able to get something done pretty quickly. We’re thrilled to have Hayden locked away until 2027 and be a Docker.”
Walls said he could see Young moving further up the ground in the coming years.
“Hayden is tough and has scope to develop and play other roles,” Walls said.
“I think there’s definitely scope to push him through the midfield, which he did a little bit at junior level, and also onto the wing as well, where he can really use his overhead game, his ability up and down the ground and obviously his left foot kick.”
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