Young talent time: Derby highlights Dockers’ most important player as September looms

Playing a little over three quarters across a fortnight of football, Hayden Young has emerged as Fremantle’s most important player in their premiership push.

His comeback from a serious hamstring injury has been nothing short of seamless. Against Collingwood, the 24 year-old’s final quarter was huge in delivering a crucial road-win, while on Saturday, he turned in a best afield performance in western derby 61.

Young rattled off 23 touches, seven clearances and three goals in just 57 per cent game-time before being pulled out of the game.

Only three players had less time on ground than Young, with two – Tyrell Dewar and Neil Erasmus – starting as their side’s substitute.

It highlights Young’s ability to have maximum impact without needing huge numbers, and his presence makes Fremantle a much harder team to stop.

He compliments fellow midfield stars Caleb Serong and Andy Brayshaw. That duo is your typical in-and-under players, contested ball beasts, regularly accumulating big numbers.

Hayden Young shone for the Dockers on Saturday, despite only being on field for half of the game. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Young is different.

Yes, he can go inside, but he’s often better utilised on the outside.

He’s the distributor, the linkman, the one you want with ball in hand – one of few who you would think has a licence to go for his kicks from Justin Longmuir.

His use by foot is so good, you wouldn’t know whether he was a natural left or right-footer, evident in his opening-quarter goal – a snap in congestion.

It was part of a wider quarter of domination from Young, who finished Saturday with 10 disposals – half contested – four score involvements and two majors.

His third goal, coming in the latter stages of the third quarter, felt like it was the one which sunk the Eagles.

It oozed class, with Young composing himself from outside 50 before launching a long bomb.

Saturday’s match was only Young’s sixth game this season.

A huge upside presents physically as he builds back to full fitness, while mentally, he should be fresh after missing three months.

Fremantle have signed him until 2033, and when he put pen to paper last December, it made the Victorian the longest contracted player in the game.

The Dockers already know Young’s a star.

In the coming months, his standing in the game could be elevated.