Young the ‘point of difference' to Freo's flag tilt
Young secured his first Glendinning-Allan Medal despite being subbed off early in the fourth quarter against West Coast after a commanding display with 23 touches, seven clearances and three goals in a derby domination.
Channel Seven commentator Kate McCarthy said it was imperative the Dockers keep the left-footer fit, if they are to go deep into September and their hopes of winning a maiden premiership.
'Purely for what they have through the midfield, they have Andrew Brayshaw and (Caleb) Serong with Luke Jackson running through, but he (Young) is a genuine point of difference for them,' she said on AFL.com.
'He had a really important fourth quarter last week as the sub with 11 disposals and just continued on with that momentum, he's been their most important player.
'Keeping him on the park is an absolute must if you're Fremantle because he is key to your team going deep into September and maybe onto their first flag.'
Young has managed just six games this year after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury he picked up in their round eight loss to St Kilda, having missed the start of the year with a similar injury. Hayden Young & Justin Longmuir pose for a photo after the match. Credit: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos / Getty Images
Given his history, the Dockers have been managing his return to the AFL level, including acting as the sub against Collingwood, with coach Justin Longmuir warning there is still more to come as he works his way back to full fitness.
'It was a good build from last week and should set him up well for next week. I thought he was clean, I thought he found space, and I thought he finished well. He was sharp,' Longmuir said post-game.
'We've missed his ball use at times this year. He's a welcome addition. He gives us another big body around there as well, which helps Andy and Caleb and the other mids. We've missed that as well.
'I thought our stoppage work went to a level it hasn't seen for a while today. I'm sure Youngy had an impact on that. Of course, that excites me.'
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