Young Dog sinks teeth into defensive role

[divvydan]

TWO-HUNDRED-game players with proven finals records are difficult to replace, but that won't stop Tom Young from trying.

Young, the former Collingwood fringe player who was recently traded to the Western Bulldogs, has set his sights on filling the void left by defender Ryan Hargrave, who retired at the end of last season after 203 games.

The Bulldogs coaching staff have challenged the 20-year-old to find his niche at half-back, where Hargrave was such a valued performer over the past decade.

Asked if he aspired to become the kind of player that typified Hargrave at his best – courageous, strong in one-on-one contests and a dashing rebounder – Young was emphatic.

"Definitely," he told AFL.com.au. "That sounds pretty good. Couldn't have said it better myself. I'd love to be able to play that kind of role. Beat my man, help out my teammates, give some run to the team. I've got a lot of work to do first, though."

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[GVGjr]

He's got his work cut out for him to cover Hargrave but I think he will be given some chances to impress. We have a bit of a logjam of 190cm type defenders so it will be interesting to see who gets the games.

[EasternWest]

He's got his work cut out for him to cover Hargrave but I think he will be given some chances to impress. We have a bit of a logjam of 190cm type defenders so it will be interesting to see who gets the games.

Do you know if he plays as a "big" 190? I hated seeing Hargrave on bigger guys - he was a free kick waiting to happen. But on smaller, quick guys he was terrific. Will Tom go the other way? He looks bulkier than Ryan.

[westdog54]

Do you know if he plays as a "big" 190? I hated seeing Hargrave on bigger guys - he was a free kick waiting to happen. But on smaller, quick guys he was terrific. Will Tom go the other way? He looks bulkier than Ryan.

Aren't there question marks over Tom's disposal? He's got a hell of a lot of work cut out if we've got him pegged as Shaggy's successor.

[GVGjr]

Do you know if he plays as a "big" 190? I hated seeing Hargrave on bigger guys - he was a free kick waiting to happen. But on smaller, quick guys he was terrific. Will Tom go the other way? He looks bulkier than Ryan.

I'm not sure but I don't think he is going to be able to deal with the monster forwards anyway.

[AndrewP6]

Aren't there question marks over Tom's disposal? He's got a hell of a lot of work cut out if we've got him pegged as Shaggy's successor.

That's the danger of new draftees at this time of year- they're built up as a "replacement" for someone, and we don't even know if he'll be in the side Round 1!

Lets see if he can get a game before he's anointed. Same goes for all he new blokes.

[Bulldog4life]

That's the danger of new draftees at this time of year- they're built up as a "replacement" for someone, and we don't even know if he'll be in the side Round 1!

Lets see if he can get a game before he's anointed. Same goes for all he new blokes.

Don't think there is anything wrong with the Coach giving something for Tommy to strive for. That's what Macca is doing.

[SlimPickens]

Don't think there is anything wrong with the Coach giving something for Tommy to strive for. That's what Macca is doing.

Agree and let's not forget he is 20 years old. I'd imagine he would be acutely aware that he has a big opportunity to play a lot of football at AFL level next year.

[GVGjr]

Don't think there is anything wrong with the Coach giving something for Tommy to strive for. That's what Macca is doing.

Spot on. We want the youngsters to go hard to try and make a spot their own.
It's not like the coach is saying Young is going to be a star player and its more around emphasizing that with hard work their is a chance to get some opportunities.

[AndrewP6]

Don't think there is anything wrong with the Coach giving something for Tommy to strive for. That's what Macca is doing.

Agree and let's not forget he is 20 years old. I'd imagine he would be acutely aware that he has a big opportunity to play a lot of football at AFL level next year.

Spot on. We want the youngsters to go hard to try and make a spot their own.
It's not like the coach is saying Young is going to be a star player and its more around emphasizing that with hard work their is a chance to get some opportunities.

Agree, my comment was more directed towards the general public, many of whom put undue pressure on players.

[F'scary]

They are comparing him to Hargrave straight away. He is lucky. They could be comparing him to Ed Barlow!

[Ghost Dog]

Got a very poor wrap in this video after last week's loss to the Blues. The show two bits of vision about half way through.

http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-04-22/mrp-got-it-wrong

I've liked what he's brought to the team in previous games. Let's hope he fires up this week.

[bornadog]

Got a very poor wrap in this video after last week's loss to the Blues. The show two bits of vision about half way through.

http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-04-22/mrp-got-it-wrong

I've liked what he's brought to the team in previous games. Let's hope he fires up this week.

As they said, he shouldn't be playing in a Key Postion. At best he takes the third best backman.

[Twodogs]

Got a very poor wrap in this video after last week's loss to the Blues. The show two bits of vision about half way through.

http://www.afl.com.au/video/2014-04-22/mrp-got-it-wrong

I've liked what he's brought to the team in previous games. Let's hope he fires up this week.

I hope he has a big game too.

He reminds me of a half back flanker from the days when football was played in positions and players had direct opponents.

[Ghost Dog]

I'm not sure about that. His want is for intensity, not talent. He's certainly one of the more skilled backs we have.