Hayden Young at Dockers training
Rehab your body, grow your brain. This has been the guiding principle for Hayden Young, the Fremantle Dockers star, as he nears the conclusion of a challenging rehabilitation period. Young is optimistic about returning to the field with not only a fully recovered hamstring but also enhanced strategic acumen, thanks to his time spent in the Dockers’ coaches’ box during match days.
Young has been sidelined since undergoing hamstring surgery in early May. During this time, he seized the opportunity to delve into the strategic aspects of the game alongside midfield coach Joel Corey and the rest of Justin Longmuir’s coaching staff. The 24-year-old has gained valuable insights from this unique perspective, which he believes will aid his on-field decision-making.
“I’ve been sitting in the coaches’ box probably for the past eight weeks, which has been helpful,” Young shared on 96FM. “They wanted to keep me engaged and involved in the group during my long-term injury.”
Strategic Insights from the Sidelines
Young’s immersion in the coaches’ box has provided him with a fresh understanding of the game. By observing from a strategic vantage point, he has learned nuances that could enhance his performance upon his return. “It’s been really beneficial. I’ve been sitting with the midfield coach and learning some things,” he noted.
As Young prepares to rejoin the team, he is confident that the skills acquired during his time off the field will translate into improved gameplay. “When I get back to playing footy, it might help—some of those skills I’ve learnt in the coaches’ box might be able to help me make decisions on the ground a bit better,” he added.
Confidence in Recovery
Young expressed no lingering doubts about his right hamstring as he anticipates a return to football. “I’d done two hamstrings prior to having surgery, and I reckon after surgery I’m feeling much more comfortable getting up to speed than I was before surgery,” he stated.
“That gives me a lot of confidence. My strength numbers are the best they’ve been throughout this year… I feel really confident in the muscle, and now I’m just focusing on getting my footy craft going and getting ready to play footy.”
The Dockers face a crucial decision next week: whether to reintegrate Young through their WAFL affiliate Peel or to thrust him directly into senior action against ladder-leaders Collingwood at the MCG. Young is eager to play against Collingwood, a team he supported in his youth, and he remains winless against them in three attempts.
Potential Return Scenarios
Young acknowledged the possibility of returning in a substitute role, a strategy previously employed for players like Nat Fyfe and Jaeger O’Meara during their comebacks from injury. “Collingwood at the ‘G is a game you don’t want to miss,” Young said. “We’ll have to wait and see. It’s obviously the medical team and JL’s call.”
The Dockers have used the substitute role in the past to manage players’ loads while they gradually build up to full game fitness. “It’s been something that they’ve done in the past, just to manage a load and get someone back playing AFL footy while they’re still building up into a full game,” Young explained.
As Young continues his rehabilitation, he remains focused on completing two significant training sessions in the coming weeks. “I’ve still got two big sessions this week and next week, so I’ll be focusing on them and then we’ll see what JL wants to do,” he concluded.
This development comes as the Fremantle Dockers aim to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the AFL season. Young’s return, armed with newfound strategic insights and physical readiness, could provide a timely boost for the team as they face pivotal matches ahead.
