Draft pick 7 – Hayden Young

DOB: 11/04/2001
POSITION: Defender
HEIGHT: 188cm
WEIGHT: 83kg
DRAFTED FROM: Dandenong Stingrays

Hayden Young is a defender from the Dandenong Stingrays who has put together a compelling body of work over the past few years.

Young captained the Dandenong Stingrays this year and was the top ranked general defender in the NAB League.

He also had a strong NAB AFL U18 Championships, where he was named All-Australian and was again the first ranked general defender at the National Carnival.

Young ranked first for intercept possessions in the carnival and second for metres gained. 

He also stood out at the National Combine, winning the agility test.

However, the attribute that stands out most with Hayden is his elite kicking, with the ability to use both feet well.

Few in the draft would be more damaging with ball in hand. He has an exceptionally penetrating left foot kick that he consistently uses to open up play as he’s very composed and makes excellent decisions with the ball.