Originally selected with pick No.72 in the 2008 AFL Draft, Young was limited to two AFL games.
The 22-year-old from Ballarat overcame groin, knee and hip complaints to finally make his debut in Round Two, 2010. He was made to wait another three months for his next opportunity, but was struck down with a dislocated shoulder after only three quarters against Collingwood.
In 2011, he spent significant time on the sidelines with hand and knee injuries, returning with SANFL club Norwood late in the season. He hit form going into the finals series, but was cruelled by injury once again, fracturing his leg.
Delisted at the end of last season, Young was offered a lifeline on the Crows rookie list. However, another shoulder injury - this time to his ‘good’ shoulder - led him to make the difficult decision to temporarily walk away from the game.
“I had three or four weeks to make a decision on whether to get my shoulder operated on, or to try to keep playing with the injury,” Young told the Down The Guts Podcast.
“I had to think about it a fair bit, but I just thought with the injuries I’d had I didn’t think I could go through another one ... I wanted to just get the surgery done, to have some time off and get it right.
“I’ve decided to have a bit of a break from footy … and to have a bit of time to myself. I’m looking forward to it.”
Click the play button above to hear more from Will Young and housemate Patrick Dangerfield on the Crows official podcast
Crows general manager of football operations Phil Harper said it was sad to see Young depart.
“We are disappointed that it didn’t work out for Will as injuries took their toll,” he said.
“He is a popular figure around the playing group. He will be missed and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Young plans to travel and work in London next year. The athletic utility will also pay a visit to former Crows Irish recruit Brian Donnelly in his native country.
But Young is adamant his football hiatus won’t be permanent. He plans to continue his career at SANFL club Norwood, with the hope of returning to AFL level.
“I’ll definitely come back to footy. I’m only 22 years old,” he said.
“I’m thinking about getting away for, maybe, a year. We’ll see how we go, but I’ll definitely come back to South Australia and play for Norwood. I love the ‘Legs. It’s a great club and I think the local league over here is a lot stronger (than the VFL).
“It’s better in terms of wanting to get picked up (by an AFL club again). Norwood is the place to go if you want to get picked up (judging by the past few drafts).”
Young’s AFL debut, which saw him pitted against Swans goalsneak Ben McGlynn, was “an absolute shocker” by his own admission. But his second game is part of Adelaide Football Club folklore.
Young played as a defensive forward, entrusted with the duty of shutting down Magpies star Harry O’Brien. The young Crow only had two possessions, including a goal, and was unable to play out the match after injuring his shoulder.
But he limited O’Brien to a career-worst five touches and was awarded a 50” Plasma TV by commentator and former Essendon great Matthew Lloyd for his efforts.
“I thought the guys were having me on. I was in a lot of pain after the game and pretty shattered because I knew I’d hurt my shoulder badly. Blokes were coming up to me saying, “You won the TV”. And I replied, “Get stuffed, I had two touches” … but obviously two bloody good touches,” he said with a laugh.
“I do cop a bit of grief about that, but I don’t really care. Not many people have won that prestigious award and won a TV having two possessions, have they?!”
The TV, which until now has been housed in his bedroom at Patrick Dangerfield’s residence, will be “bubble wrapped” and loaned to a friend while Young is overseas.
The laidback Crow will finish his official duties at West Lakes this week, but says he’ll stick around to support the team during the upcoming finals series.
“I’m still around the Club. This week is just my last official training day,” he said.
“I’ve loved just being around the boys for four years, and getting paid to do something you love - to be put in that position, I was pretty lucky.
“I’m proud of myself for playing AFL footy. I think I could’ve gone a bit better with more luck on the injury front. But that’s just the way it goes. Life goes on.
“There’s still a little glimmer of hope in the future. I’ll come back with Norwood and see what happens.”
