Roosters give ‘overwhelmed’ Robbie Young time off to ‘freshen up’ after Taylor Walker racism storm

Robbie Young will not play in North Adelaide’s SANFL clash against South Adelaide on Saturday as he battles the fallout from the Taylor Walker racism storm.

A “stung’’ Robbie Young will not play in North Adelaide’s crucial SANFL clash against South Adelaide on Saturday as he battles the emotional fallout from the Taylor Walker racism storm.

Young, who courageously took to the field against Woodville-West Torrens in the grand final rematch at Prospect last Saturday, just a day after Walker was hit with a six-game AFL ban for racial vilifying him, has been given time off from training and playing to “freshen up’’ after a tough week, according to Roosters coach Jacob Surjan.

“With everything that’s been going on, Robbie is a bit overwhelmed, a bit emotional,’’ Surjan said.

“We had a really good chat on Tuesday and another one on Wednesday and just felt, with us having the bye next week, that it would be a really good opportunity for him to take some time off and not play, which he was pretty happy and comfortable with.

North Adelaide’s Robbie Young (right) consoles Crow Taylor Walker during his public apology on Monday. Picture: AFC

“He’ll never say that he’s hurting but I reckon it’s stung him a fair bit and as his coach, in discussions with him, we felt he probably needed to have some time to himself to digest everything because what happened to him was a pretty big thing.’’

North offered Young the chance to pull out of last week’s come-from-behind win against the Eagles but he wanted to play, kicking a goal in the 18-point victory where he received a resounding reception from the Rooster supporters.

SANFL game between North Adelaide and the Eagles at Prospect Oval. Robbie Young kicks a goal in the second quarter, and celebrates with team mates. Picture: Dean Martin

But Young was thrown in the spotlight again on Monday night when he appeared in a Crows video supporting Walker during the former Adelaide captain’s public apology to him following a racist comment he made in a SANFL match on July 17.

“It’s been a really emotional time for Robbie and he’s had a lot on his plate,’’ Surjan said.

“There’s been so many people that have reached out to him, including (Carlton’s) Eddie Betts, (Geelong’s) Patrick Dangerfield and (Australian Olympic swimmer) Kyle Chalmers, they’ve all been saying ‘we’re here for you brother’ and that sort of stuff, which has been amazing, but it can be overwhelming for anyone.

“So for his own wellbeing we thought it was best for him to step away from this weekend’s game and freshen up.

“Knowing Robbie I'm sure he’ll still be at the game supporting his teammates because that’s the sort of character and guy he is.’’

Third-placed North meets fourth-placed South at Noarlunga Oval in a game vital to its top-three finals chances.

The Roosters have the bye in the split round next week, giving Young a two-week break from playing.

Surjan said he was “very confident’’ Young would return to training next week and be available to play in the August 28 clash against Norwood at Prospect.

“We just want to give him enough time to settle down and try to move on as much as we can from this unfortunate situation that we can all learn from and get better,’’ he said.