Strong backing from teammates has given rising defender Hayden Young confidence he can assist lead Fremantle’s push for a maiden AFL premiership this season.
The 21-year-old is the youngest and least-experienced member appointed to a new-look Dockers management group for 2023, with simply 35 senior video games beneath his belt.
He was voted in on the again of a breakout marketing campaign final 12 months, when he completed eighth within the Doig Medal.
Despite preliminary doubts, Young now feels able to reply Fremantle’s management name.
“I came into this year not knowing where I would sit with leadership (and) not knowing if I was ready,” the 2019 No.7 draft choose mentioned.
“I was like, ‘Am I too young? Have I played enough games?’ But the fact that I was voted in by my peers gives me a lot of confidence that they value what I bring to the club.
“They worth what I usher in a management house and that provides me numerous confidence that I can maintain doing what I’m doing.
“Hopefully I can keep adding to the culture of the club and take us forward.”
Dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe stepped down as Fremantle captain final month after an injury-riddled 2022 season, handing the reins to key defender Alex Pearce.
Midfield stars Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong had been appointed vice-captains, with Young, Sam Switkowski and new recruit Jaeger O’Meara rounding out the six-man management group.
“It’s a new experience, a challenge and an opportunity, and it’s something I’m really looking forward to,” Young mentioned.
“I’ve had the benefit of looking up to people like Nat Fyfe, Dave Mundy, Alex Pearce and Sonny Walters over the last four years and I’ve certainly learnt a lot from their leadership styles.
“At the second I’m looking for out the place I sit inside the group with my management type and the way I can assist the group transferring ahead and convey my strengths to the position.”
Young played 22 games last season and featured in both of Fremantle’s knockout finals as Justin Longmuir’s side were ultimately tipped out of the flag race by Collingwood.
That defeat still burns and the near miss has been driving the Dockers over summer as they prepare for a round-one meeting with St Kilda on March 19.
“It’s going to be actually good to play towards a high quality opposition beneath the Marvel (Stadium) lights and see the place we’re at,” Young mentioned.
“We had been disenchanted with how we ended final 12 months and we really feel like we have got quite a bit to show, and we have nonetheless received quite a bit to realize.
“It starts in round one and we’re really excited about the opportunity.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
