LEWIS Young is no stranger to the swingman mantle, but he’s taken that to another level in 2025.

Having largely played as a key defender across two clubs with moments up forward, Young has spent more time in attack this year - and with Jack Silvagni’s return to defence, that’s where he started proceedings on Friday night.

Looking to provide support for Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay in the air against a miserly St Kilda defence, Young went to All-Australian defender Cal Wilkie at the opening bounce, having performed a similar role against Rory Lobb to great effect in Round 3.

When Wilkie ultimately persisting with the Curnow match-up, Young did exactly what he needed to in the second term, not only providing a foil but hitting the scoreboard himself with two goals.

02:33

AFL R9 | Young on a gutsy win

Swingman Lewis Young joined Carlton Media in the rooms following the win over St Kilda.

However, it was at the time of his second goal when - after Mitch McGovern had already been subbed - Lachie Cowan came from the ground and didn’t return due to hamstring tightness. With Nick Haynes also getting his neck assessed at the time, it was no surprise that the tap on the shoulder came for Young at the main break to swap ends.

“I obviously started the game as a forward, but then a few things changed at half time. I ended up going back - I’m just happy to play a role for the team,” Young told Carlton Media post-match.

“I’m really proud of myself that I can be versatile and do something for the team. When ‘Vossy’ asks me to move, I’m always happy to do it… anything to help the team get a win.”

00:27

AFL R9 | Blues big plays small man's role as Young hits it pure

Lewis Young roves the pack to perfection as Carlton pulls away.

Providing a pair of telling spoils late in the game with St Kilda pressing, Young was part of a makeshift defensive group - including Adam Cerra, who similarly had to move after a strong start in the middle - for the Blues that held firm.

Conceding just 62 points from 46 inside 50s conceded, Young said both he and the team had adopt the mindset of embracing whatever challenge was being presented.

“The mindset is you’ve just got to be open to everything, to take what you’re given. ‘Vossy’ has put some challenges in front of me in terms of playing forward and back, and even changing at half time was a bit of a challenge. It’s stepping into the challenge and embracing it.

“We really pride ourselves on our defence, and that let us down last week. The response to keep a team to 62 is really impressive: that’s one of the big ticks for us.”