The 19-year-old's promotion to Port Adelaide’s senior side was a natural progression after a string of strong performances for North Adelaide in the SANFL.

But the promising midfielder acknowledges he still has a lot of work to do in the nation’s elite football competition. 

“It’s a lot quicker - it’s a big step up from the SANFL into the AFL,” Young told PortAdelaideFC.com.au.

“I had some good form earlier in the year there [at North Adelaide] then when I came in I just tried to find my feet a little bit.”

“It’s so much quicker to play against men, I’d only ever played against kids my own age." 

“The games are a lot faster than anything I’ve ever experienced.”

Young has been Port Adelaide’s substitute four times this year but has played the entirety of matches against West Coast and the Brisbane Lions with 12 disposals in each and leading the tackle count against the Eagles.

It was a testament to his ability to refocus after a week’s rest in the state league as his teammates travelled to Launceston that Young was able to reach his best figures for the year in two consecutive matches.

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For Young, progress towards a stable place in Port Adelaide’s first 22 has been about patience and persistence.

“[It’s been] a gradual progression,” said Young.

“I was sub for a couple of weeks there and then I went back and played for North Adelaide and had a good blow there then came back in and was in good form,”

“I got a full game [against West Coast] - now two full games in a row - and it’s good to get that time under your belt.

“I’ve run out of gas in those games but just to be there for the first three quarters when the game is actually on the line and people are crashing into you, it’s a good experience and hopefully puts me in good stead for the next few years.

Young has felt more comfortable in the Power side having missed just one game since round 14. 

Along with housemate Chad Wingard, the Round 22 NAB Rising Star nominee, the duo has seemingly rotated duties as the team’s substitute player.

But consistent performances have positioned both for routine selection heading into 2013.

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“The more games you play the more comfortable you get,” said Young.

“I feel I’ve got a little more time [to use the ball] than I did when I started playing when I had a bit of a ‘get it, get rid of it’ mentality.

“Now I’ve got a little bit more composure to pick the right option.”

Between games, Young works closely with the football development team alongside Port’s other emerging players.

Having been mentored by Garry Hocking until Round 19 and now working closely with interim forwards coach Daniel Healy, Young says being part of the Power’s development program is ideal for building a group that will lead the club in three years time.

"We have a development group at the club of first to third year players,” he said.

“We do a lot of stuff together, have some fun and go through vision all the time together.

“The idea is that by bringing that group together, in 3 to 4 years down the track we’ll be the main group of players who will be expected to perform week in, week out.”