A proud member of Fremantle’s tight-knit backline, Luke Ryan has made no secret of the bittersweet feeling that has come with seeing Hayden Young thrive in his new midfield role.
 
But Ryan believes Young won’t be lost to the defence, with his elite abilities as a backman likely to add to his new-found midfield talent.
 
Young has played defensive roles on both Patrick Dangerfield and Lachie Neale in the past fortnight and Ryan believes Young won both battles.
 
Against the Lions he contributed both offensively and defensively with 29 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 tackles and seven clearances.
 
Ryan said Young will always have the backline in the back of his mind when executing his role up the ground, which will only make the defenders’ job easier.
 
“Like I said last week, it's flattening to lose him but he's doing an amazing job,” Ryan told 6PR.
 
“And I love it too, because he's going to be a defensive minded mid. He's a back at heart and he's more defensive minded, which is good for us backs.

“I thought he beat Lachie Neale so that's two wins he's had in a row.
 
“I'm not sure if he's going to go play mid this week (in the RAC Derby), or go run with anyone or come and play at half back.
 
“Whatever he does, he's going to do a really good job.”

Ryan said he was hoping to keep Fremantle’s run of form against West Coast going on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.
 
“I lost my first six (derbies). So it's good to try and get that ledger nice and even for us, that will be good,” Ryan said.
 
“There's no Liam Ryan, but they've got Jamie Cripps, they've got Allen, Darling and Bailey Williams got off (from suspension), so there's another key. I'm not sure exactly who I'll get.
 
“I'll find out tomorrow morning and do my homework on him because you got to expect anything for the derby. You got to be on your game from the very first bounce.”

Five in the running for the 22under22!
Gallery: Main training at Optus Stadium 9 August