The impact of Hayden Young on Fremantle’s newest debutant has helped shape Karl Worner’s first taste at AFL level, as he prepares to debut as the tactical sub against Carlton on Sunday.
Housemates for a while now, Worner credits Young for his knowledge and guidance that has helped him carve out a path to a debut.
The pair have worked particularly close in 2023 with Worner’s positional switch to the backline, excelling for Peel Thunder on the half-back flank.
“Hayden’s guided me and helped me in the right direction,” Worner said.
“He is a very experienced and talented player, so he is probably one of the best to learn off especially being at half back.
“It’s more having conversations about getting my routine sorted so that I’m ready for when my time comes.”
The debut news was revealed to the playing group by Senior Coach Justin Longmuir on Friday morning as Worner sat in between two of his closest mates at the Club in Young and Matthew Johnson.
“They are two of my closest mates at the Club, and with Youngy being my housemate as well it was a really special moment to share with them.
“I have sort of rode the bumps with Youngy a bit as well. It was an unreal moment to share with those two.”
Worner will also be sharing his debut moment with friends and family both at Optus Stadium and internationally, as his mum and sister visit family in Sweden.
Six hours behind Perth, the Worner family in Sweden will be in position in front of the TV on Sunday morning to watch his dream play out.
“Unfortunately, my mum and my middle sister Emma are in Sweden at the moment,” Worner said.
“Mum has gone home and Emma has gone travelling for a bit. We were looking to see if we could get them over but it was going to be too difficult.
“I think they have already tried to do all the planning and that (to watch the game online).
“They have been watching some of my games at Peel, so hopefully they can watch my game on Sunday.
“Coming over (to Perth from Victoria) will be my father, my sister Annika, my cousin Chloe, and my aunty and uncle.”
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