In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the AFL world, Fremantle Dockers star Hayden Young has inked a massive contract extension that will see him remain with the club until the end of the 2033 season. At just 23 years old, Young has become the longest-contracted player in the league, cementing his status as a cornerstone of Fremantle’s future.
A Rising Star Commits to the Purple and White
Hayden Young, drafted by the Dockers in 2019, has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in the AFL. His move from defense into the midfield has proven to be a masterstroke, with Young averaging an impressive 23.8 disposals, five clearances, and kicking 13 goals in the 2024 season.
His stellar form was recognized with a nod in the All-Australian extended squad and a third-place finish in the club’s best and fairest award. Now, with this monumental contract extension, Young has made it clear that his future lies with Fremantle.
Falling in Love with Fremantle
Speaking about his decision to sign on until 2033, Young revealed his deep affection for the club and the city of Fremantle.
“When I got drafted, I had never been to Fremantle, didn’t know anything about it, but I suppose as a young kid I admired players who played at one club,” Young said in a club statement. “In the five years that I’ve been here, I’ve really fallen in love, and I’m super excited that this is where I’m going to be staying for the rest of my career.”
Chasing Premiership Glory
For Young and the Dockers, the ultimate goal remains elusive: a premiership cup. Despite coming close in recent seasons, Fremantle is yet to taste the ultimate success. However, Young believes the club is on the right track.
“We’ve had a few frustrating seasons where we’ve been close but haven’t quite got there yet. I certainly feel like we’re heading in the right direction, and it will be so much more rewarding when we do reach the pinnacle after being there through the hard yards and putting in all the effort.”
“We want to be the first players to hold up a premiership cup for Fremantle and bring it back to the town.”
The Next Step for Young
With his long-term future secured, Young has set his sights on taking his game to the next level. Consistency, he believes, is key to his continued development and the team’s success.
“The next step for me is to be a consistent player. The goal is to back that up week in, week out, and keep supporting the other mids.”
“I feel like we’ve got a really strong midfield group, and we all complement each other really well.”
A League-Wide Trend?
Young’s mammoth contract extension is part of a growing trend in the AFL, with several other young stars signing long-term deals in recent months. GWS defender Sam Taylor, Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee, and Western Bulldogs gun Aaron Naughton are among five players who are now signed until 2032.
Meanwhile, Gold Coast sensation Mac Andrew has penned a unique deal that could see him remain with the Suns until 2034, provided certain targets are met. As clubs look to lock away their top talent for the long haul, it seems the AFL landscape is shifting towards a future built on stability and loyalty.
The Dockers’ Bright Future
With Hayden Young committed to the cause until 2033, Fremantle fans have every reason to be excited about the club’s future. The talented midfielder, still just 23, has the potential to be a generational player and leader for the Dockers.
As the club continues to build a strong and cohesive unit around him, the dream of a first-ever premiership for Fremantle seems more achievable than ever. For now, though, Young and his teammates will focus on the task at hand: consistently performing at their best and taking the club one step closer to glory each and every week.
Only time will tell if Young’s long-term commitment will be the catalyst for Fremantle’s ultimate success, but one thing is for certain: the future looks bright in the purple and white.
