Hayden Young may have been pleased to be one of Fremantle’s more impactful players against Brisbane in round seven, but he feels his 33-disposal performance was in part due to the game behind played in the Lions attacking half.
The 22-year-old put up career-best numbers as he looks to transition his potential into results in his fourth AFL season.
Young went on the attack with nine rebound 50s and 685 metres gained, but feels Fremantle weren’t able to gain enough ground on the Lions.
“It was nice to get my hands on the ball and have an impact. It probably would have been nice if it was not in my area as much. It did spend a lot of time in the backline,” Young told 96FM.
“I was happy that I was able to have an impact on the game and hopefully if I can keep having an impact on the game, I can help the team win.”
Senior Coach Justin Longmuir hopes Young’s efforts are a sign of what is to come for the defender.
“He was clearly one of our better players and a young player that we have high hopes for,” Longmuir told 7NEWS.
“The more we can get him into the game the better, I thought he positioned himself really well, defended really well and that created a lot of offence for him on the weekend.”
The Fremantle leader threw his support behind 20-year-old midfielder Matthew Johnson, who was suspended for rough conduct due from a dangerous tackle.
Johnson had 22 disposals in what was his fifth AFL game, and Young knows Fremantle have another player to be excited about.
“He was disappointed after the game as he knew immediately he made a mistake,” Young said.
“We love the intent that he plays the game with, and he plays on the edge and he probably just went too far on the weekend.
“He’s an aggressive young man and like that about him.
“He’s very composed under pressure, he’s a big strong boy. He’s hard to tackle when he steps around players.”
Saturday’s clash with Hawthorn will be Fremantle’s 21st annual Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly presented by South32.
Young said he was especially excited to welcome Starlight Star Rohan Lord to the Club for the week.
“Rohan’s coming from NSW and he’ll be running out with us for the game,” Young said.
“Having people like that come to the Club just makes you realise the huge role we play within the community and the role models that we are. It’s pretty special.
“It’s certainly a game that is the one that we enjoy on the calendar and hopefully we can get the win.”
