Young’s Race Against Time: Freo Star Eyeing Crucial Demons Clash Before Season Opener
In the high-stakes world of pre-season preparation, Fremantle’s coaching staff finds themselves watching the clock as one of their most influential players, Hayden Young, pushes through the final stages of rehabilitation. The talented defender-turned-midfielder has been circled as a potential game-changer for Fremantle in 2025, but first, he needs to prove his fitness in what looms as a crucial final hit-out against the Melbourne Demons.
Club insiders reveal that Young’s recovery has been tracking well, with the 24-year-old progressing through each phase of his rehabilitation with the meticulousness that has become his trademark. “He’s ticking all the boxes,” a source close to the medical team confirmed. “The Melbourne game is the target, and everything so far suggests he’s on track.”
For head coach Justin Longmuir, having Young available for the season opener isn’t just a luxury – it’s potentially the difference between a winning start and an uphill battle. Young’s evolution from draft prospect to midfield maestro has been one of the Dockers’ success stories in recent seasons, with his elite kicking and decision-making transforming Fremantle’s transition game.
“He gives us something different,” Longmuir noted in his most recent press conference. “The way he can break lines with his kicking and create scoring opportunities from defensive situations – you can’t easily replace that.”
What makes Young’s potential return against Melbourne particularly significant is the quality of the opposition. The Demons’ midfield remains one of the competition’s benchmark units, making this final pre-season clash the perfect litmus test for both Young’s fitness and Fremantle’s premiership aspirations.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. With Fremantle widely tipped as one of 2025’s dark horse contenders, having their full arsenal available from Round 1 could set the tone for their entire campaign. Medical staff are being appropriately cautious, however, with the long-term view taking precedence over any short-term urgency.
“We won’t take unnecessary risks,” confirmed Fremantle’s high-performance manager Phil Merriman. “But at the same time, getting that match conditioning before Round 1 would be invaluable for Hayden. It’s a balancing act.”
For Young himself, the frustration of watching from the sidelines has been tempered by the methodical approach to his recovery. Sources close to the player suggest he’s been one of the most diligent attendees in rehabilitation sessions, often arriving early and staying late to ensure no stone is left unturned in his preparation.
As Fremantle fans eagerly await confirmation of Young’s availability, the broader implications for the club’s season are clear. In a competition where the difference between success and failure often hinges on the finest margins, having a player of Young’s caliber available from the opening bounce could be the catalyst for something special at Cockburn.
With the Melbourne clash looming as the final dress rehearsal before the real business begins, all eyes will be on team selection in the coming days. For Young, the race against time continues – but the finish line is finally coming into view.