The Power's own 'super sub' is keen to shake the tag and become a regular full-game player but, fundamentally, he wants to play a team role and do whatever is asked of him by Ken Hinkley and his coaching panel.
Young has played 26 games since debuting in 2012 and, since his explosive 13-disposal, four-clearance stint as the Power's substitute in last year's elimination final against Collingwood, has earned a reputation as a dynamic midfielder for the club.
Now locked in at Alberton until at least the end of 2016, he's keen about what the future holds for him and his club.
His first focus is to consolidate a place in the first 22, and if that means seeing out the season as the club’s starting sub, then so be it.
Young simply wants to be playing AFL football in the team-first environment that is Port Adelaide.
“I’m just trying to consolidate my spot and if consolidating my spot means being sub then that’s what I’ll do,” Young told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“Last year I only played five games so I’m just happy to be in the side and winning matches with this team.
“But it’s important that I work on my consistency and not drop in and out of games – a four quarter performance instead of two or three.”
While half of Young’s AFL career has been as a substitute, he’s been named in every single team since the Power’s 113-point win over the Lions in Round 4.
Unlike many 26-gamers, Young has played two finals, and has glimpsed what it takes to be a player in a strong side.
Those finals - specifically the semi final loss to Geelong - showed Young and the team what it takes to be a benchmark of the competition.
The fire to do better than a semi final appearance burns throughout Alberton and for Young, his desire to improve stems partly from that stinging loss to the Cats at the MCG in mid-September.
But it also comes from his desire to be part of the success the playing group is collectively trying to build at AFL and SANFL level.
“That last final against Geelong was pretty deflating for everyone when we were in such a good position,” Young said.
“Everyone has really been driven all of pre-season and throughout the year by the idea that we can’t let things slip, and can’t let people take what we want to be ours.
“Geelong gave us a lesson in contested ball in that second half.
“Last week, Sydney, with their elite hands, showed us where we need to get to in order to be successful.
“I just want to be part of the team’s success, whether that’s with the Magpies who are going really well or the Power, I just want to be part of it.”
Young never assumes an AFL selection, nor being handed the green vest automatically when suiting up for the Power, but he does want to be an exciting and explosive midfielder who can impact the game if he's required to sub into the game.
The need to be a fit and versatile player as the substitute carries certain qualities expected of any player - having an impact and maintaining a sharp focus on the role are just some of the things Hinkley and Co. expect of every team member on the field.
These are just some of the things Young is hoping to polish during the second half of the 2014 campaign.
"It takes a lot of work during the week, a little bit of extra running to try and have that explosive aspect of being the sub," Young explains.
"You’ve got to be switched on, ready to go, it’s always good to get an early touch and go on from there to try and have a pretty big impact on the game.
"When you're the sub, you tend to run past players because they tend to be pretty fatigued, but you still need to work hard to deliver the result the team needs from the role as well."
Aaron Young has played 26 AFL games and kicked 11 goals since debuting in 2012.
