Barwon Heads’ Flynn Young was left stunned on Wednesday night as his AFL dream became a reality.
The Werribee premiership player was taken by Carlton at pick four of the AFL mid-season draft.
Young had a breakout season with the Tigers last season and played a key role in their premiership. He kicked 21 goals in the space of four games for Newton & Chilwell last season and broke into Werribee’s side and didn’t look back.
The Blues said he is highly regarded for not only his classy left foot but also his aerial ability.
Carlton list management head Nick Austin said Young’s incredible rise to AFL football in the space of 18 months was built off hard work.
“Flynn has gone from strength to strength in the last little while and we couldn’t be happier to bring him to the football club,” he said.
“At 23 years of age, it hasn’t been the conventional path to the elite level for Flynn – what he has shown in his time at Werribee is his appetite for getting the best out of himself and leaving no stone unturned.
“He’s produced some big moments in some big finals at VFL level, and we think he offers something different as a dynamic player in the front half.
“He can play multiple roles, he backs in his ball use and he’s a threat in the air and on the ground: we’re excited to see what he can produce at our footy club.”
Speaking in a video on Carlton’s social media, Young said he was excited to join the club.
“Looking forward to making the trip up to Carlton, some great memories at Ikon Park and can’t wait to create many more and just get stuck into it with the boys and meet all the staff and players.”
Among the first people to call Young is new teammate and fellow Ocean Grove boy Sam Walsh.
Young played footy with Walsh’s brother previously.
The two had run into each other a couple of weeks ago, with Walsh saying to Young hopefully we are teammates in a couple of weeks.
