IT WAS only three weeks ago that Carlton held a sole pick in the midseason draft, granting 23-year-old Flynn Young his lifelong dream of making it to an AFL list.
Kicking 12 majors from his eight appearances in the 2025 season for Werribee, the medium forward impressed leading up to the date, having finished his 2024 year with a premiership medal to go with it.
Renowned for his foot skills and running ability, Young continued to settle into Carlton life, starring in the weekend’s one-point loss to North Melbourne with 19 disposals and two goals.
After a promising start in his first three appearances with the Carlton Reserves, the classy left footer reflected on his time so far at IKON Park.
“I’m obviously loving it,” Young said.
“All the boys and all the staff have been super helpful and really welcoming. I feel like I’m finally finding my feet a bit, and just trying to do what I can and get better every day.”
After such a significant shift halfway through the season, Young touched on the challenges of navigating this period of change, going from the semi-professional to professional life.
Continuing to find his feet and gain confidence in his role amidst a new environment, Young spoke highly of the numerous individuals who have helped him settle in at IKON Park.
“First and foremost, it was just trying to get my role right. I’ve been doing a lot of work at the Club with the senior players, staff and coaches – from there, on game day, it’s being confident to back that in and play off instinct after that.
“It’s doing what I can to help the team in whatever way that is. I feel like each week, I’m getting better at that.
“Everyone has played a role in a different way. Jordan Russell as the AFL line coach and ‘Toz’ [Torin Baker, development coach] have both been amazing, whether that’s been sitting in on vision or asking more questions outside of meetings.”
The youngster also outlined the benefits of leaning on his AFL teammates during the week at training, in particularly highlighting the role that Lachie Fogarty and Zac Williams have played in getting him up to speed.
“There are star players everywhere in each line, but for me it’s been trying to pick the brains of those guys playing the same role as me: if I am lucky enough to get an opportunity, I can come in and know what I’m doing.
“I’m just trying to ask questions, trying to pick their brains or sitting in on line meetings. It’s a fine line of not trying to be annoying but also trying to get on top of things straight away!”
Only a handful of games into his career at the Blues, it didn’t take long for him to run into one of his ex-Werribee teammates – that being Zac Banch on the weekend, who was taken two picks before Young in the mid-season draft to North Melbourne.
Although the premiership duo faced off as opponents, Young was all praise for his good mate.
“Yeah it was good… quite weird, actually. We had a few little run-ins but it’s good to see him going well.
“It’s pretty good for both of us to be on a list on now, but it was definitely a weird feeling not running out with him. I’m proud of him and the way he’s going.”
With plenty of time to expand on his strong start in the Navy Blue, Young discussed his main focuses heading into the back half of the season at his newfound home.
“I’m still trying to earn the respect of all my teammates regardless of the level I’m playing at – it’s coming in everyday and trying to get better, which I feel like I’m doing.
“From there I’m just here to play footy, have a bit of fun and bring some energy. Whatever I can do to help the team get better, I’ll do.”
Jaspar Wilson-Keir is a student at La Trobe University, undergoing his Bachelor of Media and Communications (Journalism and Marketing). He is currently undertaking an internship at the Carlton Football Club as part of its partnership with La Trobe University.
Photo credit: Tom McLachlan
