Welcome to the Bulldogs - Lewis Young

[Axe Man]

'Old' Young aims to turn over a new leaf

LEWIS Young is no longer the baby of the AFL and says his wide-ranging fortunes in his seven-game maiden season will hold him in good stead for this year.

Most importantly, Young says, his confidence is high after staying in the Western Bulldogs' line-up from the time he made his highly-acclaimed debut in round 17.

That could easily not have been the case, given how the recently-turned 19-year-old's form trailed off after a spectacular start.

Young, the youngest player on an AFL list in 2017, took 19 marks in his first two matches, and retired triple premiership star Tim Watson compared him to arguably the game's best young defender, Jake Lever.

But the Sturt product, who was the No.49 pick in 2016 after qualifying for the draft by only 11 days, soon saw the other side of life at the elite level.

Young coughed up five turnovers – three of them resulting in Greater Western Sydney goals – and had a disposal efficiency rating of just 18 per cent in a big round 21 defeat.

Further harsh lessons followed in the final two rounds of the season.

"Credit to the coaches for leaving me in there, because that did give me a lot of confidence coming into this year," Young told RSN927.

"I'm working a bit on my disposals – so my kicking and handballing – (and) I'm also working on my positioning.

"Just learning the game-plan is always an ongoing thing, so learning that over and over again never hurts."

Young arrived at the Kennel 14 months ago as a 197cm key forward, but the Dogs transformed him into an intercepting defender.

He showed such promise that he scored a jumper upgrade in December from No.33 to No.2, which was worn in all bar three of retired club great Bob Murphy's 312 games.

"I am very humbled to be offered the jumper by Bevo (coach Luke Beveridge) and very excited to wear the number this year," Young said.

"But, at the end of the day, it is just a number and I do play for the red, white and blue on the front of the guernsey.

"I spoke to (Murphy) the day I got it … and he said, 'Congratulations, look forward to watching you' and then Bevo gave me a little rundown about it."

[Twodogs]

Brian Royal was a fair player too, he wore 33.

[Mofra]

Brian Royal was a fair player too, he wore 33.

One of my favourites Choco.
Stranded on 199 games, 299 goals. I still remember him on crutches waving goodbye to the EJ Whitten stand.

[Axe Man]

One of my favourites Choco.
Stranded on 199 games, 299 goals. I still remember him on crutches waving goodbye to the EJ Whitten stand.

Was the farewell to the Whitten stand at a later game, because I remember going to his final game when he was injured and it was at the MCG.

Foxtel have been having a history month and played the 1986 state of origin game v Western Australia the other night. Choco absolutely dominated - kicked 5 goals and had a heap of touches. When resting in the forward pocket Brad Hardie occasionally went near him on his way to a best on for WA. Rick Kennedy also played in defence for the Vics. Many regard this game as the best State of Origin game of all time.

[bornadog]

Was the farewell to the Whitten stand at a later game, because I remember going to his final game when he was injured and it was at the MCG.

Foxtel have been having a history month and played the 1986 state of origin game v Western Australia the other night. Choco absolutely dominated - kicked 5 goals and had a heap of touches. When resting in the forward pocket Brad Hardie occasionally went near him on his way to a best on for WA. Rick Kennedy also played in defence for the Vics. Many regard this game as the best State of Origin game of all time.

Yes played his last game v Essendon at the G.

I love the Interstate match, it was a ripper.

[Twodogs]

Was the farewell to the Whitten stand at a later game, because I remember going to his final game when he was injured and it was at the MCG.

Foxtel have been having a history month and played the 1986 state of origin game v Western Australia the other night. Choco absolutely dominated - kicked 5 goals and had a heap of touches. When resting in the forward pocket Brad Hardie occasionally went near him on his way to a best on for WA. Rick Kennedy also played in defence for the Vics. Many regard this game as the best State of Origin game of all time.

Classic Brad Hardie. 30 touches running out of defence while his opponent gets 35 and kicks 5. Three votes, Footscray B. Hardie..


I hope he's OK. He's one of us. A bulldog through and through.

[GVGjr]

Talked to a mate who believes Young is going very well in his 2nd pre-season. He's added some weight and been training well.

Exciting prospect if he can take another step forward. I wonder if he is just training with the defensive group of a bit of a mixture forward and back?

[bornadog]

Just turned 19 years old, he is as old as some of the first year draftees starting this year. Give him a few years before expecting too much.

[Twodogs]

Just turned 19 years old, he is as old as some of the first year draftees starting this year. Give him a few years before expecting too much.

No. I expect him to win the Rising Star.

Seriously I expect him to get the chance to play a lot of senior footy this year and I think he will do well.

[Go_Dogs]

Talked to a mate who believes Young is going very well in his 2nd pre-season. He's added some weight and been training well.

Exciting prospect if he can take another step forward. I wonder if he is just training with the defensive group of a bit of a mixture forward and back?

He can run and jump at the ball, so hope he gets some opportunity to swing forward throughout the year.

Thanks for the info, he had some very impressive moments in his first season, so great to hear he's building on that and attacking his training.

[GVGjr]

Impressive first season but he certainly stalled in 2018 and even with the departure of Adams and perhaps Trengove playing in the ruck there might not be a regular position the back half for Young.

Could Young be groomed for a role up forward or perhaps even for a part time ruckman?

[Bulldog Joe]

Impressive first season but he certainly stalled in 2018 and even with the departure of Adams and perhaps Trengove playing in the ruck there might not be a regular position the back half for Young.

Could Young be groomed for a role up forward or perhaps even for a part time ruckman?

I think we are showing concern for Young prematurely.

He has just had his 20th birthday and is a tall athletic player with good hands. Let him develop and find his way.

[GVGjr]

I think we are showing concern for Young prematurely.

He has just had his 20th birthday and is a tall athletic player with good hands. Let him develop and find his way.

I might not have represented Young correctly in my previous post because I'm actually confident he will develop into a fine player for us. I'm just wondering if we will try him in other positions this year

[Testekill]

He was recruited as a tall forward so it's always an option but he showed some great signs in his debut season and just developed in the VFL in his second. Patience mon frere

[Happy Days]

He would seriously need to improve his footy IQ, which of course comes with experience but his body position and general nous are way behind where he should be.

He's clearly got some ability but I'm not sold on him making it.