Name: Lauren Young  
Club(s): West Adelaide/Goodwood Saints  
Position: Forward/utility  
DOB: 16 September 2005  
Height: 178cm 

PORT ADELAIDE has signed talented tall Lauren Young as part of the Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period. 

The teams included in the most recent wave of NAB AFLW expansion – Port Adelaide, Sydney, Hawthorn and Essendon – have the option to pre-sign up to three players who have come through each respective club’s academy, prior to the NAB AFLW Draft in December. 

Touted as a possible number one draft pick for this year, Young already boasts a long list of accolades, at just 18 years of age. 

In 2021, at 15 years old, she was named the best and fairest in the SANFLW, as well as South Australian MVP and All-Australian following the Under 19 National Championships. 

Lauren Young poses for a photo after being awarded South Australia's best player during the 2021 AFLW U19 Championships. Image: AFL Photos.

In the same year, Young also won the SANFLW’s breakthrough player award and coaches’ award, before a devastating ACL injury in pre-season training stopped her in her tracks. 

After a gruelling 12 months of rehabilitation, Young returned to the SANFLW with the Bloods in 2023, averaging 18.9 disposals, 4.5 marks and kicking nine goals. 

She participated in a winning under 18 national championships campaign, making the All-Australian team for the second time, and polling equal-third in the championship MVP voting. 

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Welcome Lauren Young | PTV

Ready-made youngster Lauren Young joins Port Adelaide as part of the Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period.

At 178-centimetres, the Henley High product is a versatile footballer, who as predominantly played a mix of forward and midfield. 

Young was one of four academy players invited to train with Port Adelaide’s AFLW side this year, joining the group for one session per week.  

Touted as a possible number one draft pick for this year, Young already boasts a long list of accolades. Image: AFL Photos.

Port Adelaide list manager Naomi Maidment said: 
“Lauren is the ultimate utility, very versatile, she can really play in any position on the field. Dominant as a forward in this year’s under 18 national championships as a forward, helping SA to win back-to-back titles. She spent a number of years in our academy program and has really embraced Port Adelaide. A great teammate with a vibrant personality and will fit in well with our group culturally.” 

AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan said: 
“Strong and aggressive player who excelled as a forward but can play back or midfield. Attacks the ball fearlessly and is almost unbeatable one-on-one with her overhead marking a real feature of her play. Kicked five goals to blow the game apart versus Victoria Metro and finished up averaging three goals across three matches, along with 17.3 disposals, seven marks and three tackles to again be a dominant force after winning the best and fairest award in this competition two years ago when in her 16th year.”