Former Gold Coast midfielder Aaron Young lands at Aspley

Aspley has lured delisted Gold Coast midfielder Aaron Young to the club ahead of the 2020 NEAFL season.

Originally from Victoria, Young played 100 AFL games for Port Adelaide and Gold Coast since he was drafted with pick 36 in the 2010 NAB AFL National Draft.

Keen to stay in Queensland after he was delisted by Gold Coast in October, the 26-year-old said Aspley proved to be the right fit for the next chapter of his career.

“Basically I was just looking to find a place where I could enjoy my football but still play at a high level, and Aspley was a great fit,” he told neafl.com.au.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the guys and being involved in a club with a community feel.

“I had nearly nine years at the top level and I wouldn’t change a thing. I leave the top level knowing I gave everything I could give, and to get to 100 games is a pretty good achievement when you look back on it.

“Now I think I’ve got a lot more to give at State League level and hopefully I can help a lot of people along the way.”

Young had a strong debut season for Gold Coast last year where he finished second on the SUNS goalkicking leaderboard, but an unfortunate run of injuries in 2019 spelled the end of his eight-year career at the top level.

Starting a new chapter isn’t foreign to the Eastern Ranges draftee, who’s journey has taken him from Victoria to Adelaide, Gold Coast and now Brisbane, but he admits this time it’s a different feeling as he prepares to adjust to life outside the AFL.

“I am probably a bit more nervous than anything. Apart from knowing (Aspley co-captain) Jackson Allen from our junior days I don’t know anyone really,” he said. “But then I am also super excited to start that next chapter.

“I guess you learn new things at each step of your life. You underestimate the bubble of the AFL world and then once you step out of that and have to handle things by yourself. It’s quite different, but I like the fact I get to now learn all that stuff.”

A goal-kicking midfielder who can play forward but also through the middle, Young is shaping as a dangerous weapon for Aspley’s attack as they look to go one step further next year after back-to-back Preliminary Final exits.

He dominated the NEAFL in his seven appearances this year, averaging 30 disposals, seven marks, five inside 50s, six clearances and a goal per game.

The success of the Hornets, who have made the NEAFL finals seven years in a row, was another big draw card for Young as he chases his first senior premiership.

“Aspley has been successful for a long period of time and they’ve had some really good signings for next year. You play to win to win a premiership, so I’d love the chance to do that.

“Everyone at the club is super dedicated. I have spent a bit of time around State League clubs and I am always impressed at the attitude and dedication of the players to get out and train after a tough day of work and they rock up and train to such a high standard.”

Young joins former NT Thunder captain Abraham Ankers, West Adelaide premiership defender Errin Wasley-Black, former North Melbourne defender Declan Watson and ex-Coburg and Collingwood VFL forward Nick Dodge among the Hornets’ recent signings.

You can keep up-to-date with all the player movements here.

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