ON THE BACK of his best performance at AFL level, Aaron Young has re-signed with the Power and the ‘Youngster’ couldn’t be more pleased with the opportunity to continue his career at Alberton.
The 19-year-old’s new contract sees him remain at Port Adelaide for two more years.
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It is surely justified given the steps he has taken in 2012.
Having been promoted to the senior side after a string of consistent and influential performances at SANFL side North Adelaide, he impacted AFL in his first contribution - setting up teammate Brad Ebert with a running goal against the Crows in Showdown XXII.
However Young is under no illusion of the journey ahead, telling PortAdelaideFC.com.au that the game at AFL level is nothing like he has played before.
“It’s a lot quicker - it’s a big step up from the SANFL into the AFL,” he said.
“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.”
His fledgling start to AFL football hit a bump early when he injured his ankle against Fremantle in just his third game.
He came back through the SANFL and then re-joined his teammates against reigning premiers Geelong and has set himself to play eight of the final nine games of 2012.
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Signing at Port Adelaide has given Young the opportunity to stay at a club where he continues to build relationships and develop into a skilled and composed forward-running midfielder.
“I’ve had a great two years since I moved across to Adelaide,” said Young.
“It’s a great place to live, Port Adelaide is a great football environment to learn and develop as a young player and I’ve made a lot of close friends in my time here, so I’m delighted to continue on.
“[It’s been] a gradual progression … the more games you play the more comfortable you get.”
Mentored by current caretaker coach Garry Hocking early in his career, Young has worked closely with the Power’s football development team of Daniel Healy, Matthew Nicks and Tyson Edwards.
The promise shown by Young - that of a young man with the awareness and execution of a footballer in his prime - is something to excite the Port faithful.
But for an emerging player, Young is happy just to sit back and learn the craft of the national game alongside his fellow aspiring teammates.
“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,” he says.
“I’m very confident that our young group will stick together and supporters will see us realise our potential sooner rather than later.”
