By Justin Chadwick
Whether he’s on a wave or about to unleash on his deadly left boot, Fremantle defender Hayden Young knows he’s in the zone when things start happening in slow motion.
Young has become a key cog in Fremantle’s impressive defensive set-up this year, with his pin-point kicking proving a crucial weapon.
Hayden Young has become a key part of Fremantle’s impressive defence this season. Credit:AFL Photos
The 21-year-old showed composure beyond his years to rack up 28 disposals and 11 marks in last week’s 13-point elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs.
The victory set up a semi-final date with Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday night.
Young has blossomed into one of the best young defenders in the AFL, and the national stage hasn’t fazed him one bit.
In fact, being in the heat of the moment on the football field reminds Young of the surfing adventures he had growing up during family holidays to Pambula on the NSW coast.
“I just love being in the water. It’s a great way to start or end your day,” Young said.
“I love the adrenaline on getting on the wave. Even if you get smashed, it’s good fun.
“There’s nothing better than getting in that flow state where you just feel invincible. Just everything happens in slow motion.
“That’s what I enjoy about surfing, and I feel like there’s some similarities with footy – when things start to slow down a bit and you get in that flow state.”
Young is fast building a reputation for his long-range bullet passes out of defence.
The 34-game defender said the key to success was staying in the moment.
“I’ve noticed that when I’m playing my best, it’s when I’m just playing off instinct,” Young said.
“I’m not thinking too much, I’m not over-analysing.
“I feel like when I’ve got a clear mind I play my best footy. I just see it and go for it.”
Fremantle’s medium and small defenders will have their hands full stopping the likes of Jamie Elliott, Jack Ginnivan, and Jordan De Goey on Saturday.
The trio have combined for 77 goals this season, with each of them boasting match-winning abilities.
But Fremantle’s back seven of Alex Pearce, Brennan Cox, Luke Ryan, Young, Brandon Walker, Heath Chapman and Jordan Clark have shown themselves to be more than capable of halting the competition’s best attacks this year.
The Dockers are tipped to enter the match with an unchanged line-up.
If Fremantle progress to the preliminary final, skipper Nat Fyfe (hamstring) will have a chance to return.
Collingwood will be without Taylor Adams for the rest of their finals campaign after he ruptured his adductor, but De Goey is expected to play through the pain of an AC joint sprain.
AAP
