They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and that’s how new Freo Docker Hayden Young became accomplished at kicking on both sides of his body.
Young, a half back who wowed recruiters around the AFL with his kicking talents, was selected by Fremantle at pick no.7 on the back of his ability to easily hit a target.
Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe told Young he was also impressed with his kicking when he FaceTimed Young and fellow Freo top-10 picks Caleb Serong and Liam Henry on Wednesday night.
“I couldn’t figure out which side you kick on,” Fyfe said as a compliment to the 18-year-old.
A natural left foot, Young said he was forced to learn to kick on his right foot when he was younger.
“It is (a nice compliment from Fyfe). For some reason I always got injured on my left foot, so I’ve had heaps of time to practice on the opposite,” Young said.
“Over the years it’s kept developing and it’s good to get a little bit of recognition for it. But I definitely do prefer the left.”
An avid surfer, Young and Fyfe already have plans to connect on the WA beaches outside of football.
“It was pretty special (talking to Fyfe) I’m not going to lie,” Young said.
“I pinched myself for a bit and I reckon I snagged myself a surfing buddy so I’m pretty happy about that.
“It was cool to get in touch with Nat and I’m looking forward to meeting him in person.”
Young has a busy few days ahead of him as he prepares to move west and be at the club for training on Monday.
He said he and his family were excited about the next stage of his life.
“They’re pretty happy. We had a rough idea that I could be going to Freo,” Young said.
“They’ve all thought about it and they were just really happy that my name got called out.
“We’re looking forward to see what the future holds. I spoke to them briefly just then and they’re so happy for me. I’m pretty stoked.”
