BREAKING new ground.
While Flynn Young isn’t technically a new Blue, he is a newcomer when it comes to the first week of pre-season.
As a mid-season recruit, Young entered the off-season without the experience of knowing what was to come, having only become a Blue six months ago via the mid-season draft.
But with eight games to his name follow a late-season run in the side, Young has taken to his first week just like his first few months at the Club, embracing everything that has come his way. It’s that mindset which he is determined to never lose, no matter how long his time in the AFL ultimately runs for.
It wasn’t without its realities, however.
“It did take a while to sink in. I was like ‘This can’t be real’, that I get to try and get in the best shape possible and that’s my off-season job… that probably came out bad!
“Training starts up pretty quickly, so I was just trying to get ahead where I can. I knew it was going to be hard: to be a professional AFL athlete, there’s a lot that goes into it, so I tried to get better in every aspect I could.
"It was pretty full on. Monday started with a bang, Robbie put us through our paces. It’s good to get back with all the boys and get back training together, it’s a bit of a slog when you’re down the coast and trying to do it by yourself.
“I never want to see this as a chore: it’s a privilege and one I’m really grateful to come in and do every day. I don’t want to lose that, I try to keep that attitude about me - being in the VFL for a few years, you’ve got to earn these opportunities.”
Young had to do it the hard way.
He ultimately achieved VFL premiership success - on IKON Park, no less - in 2024, a year where he started the season in the GFNL for Newtown & Chilwell before kickstarting a journey which saw him become a Blue in May 2025.
Those moments aren’t lost on Young, who was a sponge for the final two months of the season which finish off the year with eight consecutive AFL games - three of those wins.
“It was huge to get those games in early on: we had a few tough losses, but you can pick up the speed of the game. It’s held me in good stead for hopefully when I do get another chance to come in and be ready.
“To play with that young group that we had, I feel like we all learned a lot with that. We’ve brought in some more experienced boys now, but that’ll just put the pressure on in a good way: it’s going to be tight for spots, so it’ll push everyone to get better.”
When asked what areas of his game he was focusing on this pre-season, Young’s answer was simple: everything.
While 2025 brought about the realisation of a dream which not that long ago seemed unattainable, the rookie - who was rewarded with a one-year contract extension to remain at Carlton - didn’t want to leave anything to chance.
“Every chance I get to come in, I want to put my best foot forward to get better every day so that when games come around, I’ve earned the trust of the coaches.
“There’s a lot of new personnel both with coaches and players: it’s trying to create that bond straight away and get the culture going. It’s obviously a tough time of year with every training session, but if you can have some fun, then that goes a long way to building connection.
“I’m keeping the attitude that if I can get better every single day, I’ll put myself in the best position.”
What’s clear with Young is that he never wants to lose sight of his journey, of his story.
Time back home in the off-season was the perfect reminder of that - even if he was hoping a teammate of his would be joining him down at Ocean Grove.
“I think ‘Walshy’ forget he comes from Ocean Grove, he doesn’t venture down to Ocean Grove much…
“Actually, that’s a lie. I did see him once. We were both getting a pizza one Sunday night and I bumped into him.”
