Robbie Young stars for North Adelaide with six goals – days after his foster sister and uncle die

AS ROBBIE Young slotted his third of a career-high six goals, he pointed to and then kissed his black armbands.

AS ROBBIE Young slotted his third of a career-high six goals, he pointed to and then kissed his black armbands.

The speedy North Adelaide small forward had endured a tumultuous week leading into the round-four SANFL match on April 21.

His foster sister, Colleen, died in her sleep and then a few days later, his uncle, Clem, lost a long battle with an illness.

But Young, 23, did not let his pain stop him from lighting up Prospect Oval against the Redlegs.

He kicked six goals straight, gathered 18 possessions and helped the Roosters prevail by 44 points.

“The last two weeks have been a bit tough for me and my family,” Young, a father of one, says.

“The family was just really shocked with Colleen’s passing.

“She was a foster sibling and I grew up with her since birth and she was really close to me.

“I was happy the boys got around me and I just kind of kept myself busy, not having to think about things and just keep my mind focused on footy.

“Everything I do at the moment is just for them (Colleen and Clem).”

Robbie Young pictured after kicking a goal for North Adelaide in its clash with Norwood at Prospect Oval last week. Picture: Dylan Coker.

Young has kicked nine goals from five games since joining the Roosters over summer after 41 games at Port Adelaide.

Today, he was added to the 50-player state squad to play the WAFL in May.

Young says working on his tackling and pressure acts is behind his impressive form.

“It’s all about defensive pressure for myself and if the ball falls in my lap and I kick a couple of snags then that will happen.”

North Adelaide’s Robbie Young with his five-year-old daughter, Nayari, at Prospect Oval. Picture: AAP/Morgan Sette

Young says leaving Alberton has been easier because of the presence of two familiar faces at North – ex-Port assistants Josh Carr and Jacob Surjan.

“Ever since moving, the club has been very welcoming.

“It feels like another family and I’m really enjoying it.”

North is enjoying a strong start to the season with a 3-1 record and Young says the side is eager to atone for last season’s wooden-spoon.