For most footballers, the dream of pulling on an AFLW guernsey is a long journey in itself. For Port Adelaide’s Lauren Young, that journey has been tougher and longer than most. 

Touted as a possible number one draft pick in her draft year, Young was marked as a talent from the moment she burst onto the scene.  

After being crowned the SANFLW’s best and fairest at just 15 years of age, she quickly added South Australian MVP, and All-Australian following the Under 19 National Championships to her list of accolades.  

Naturally, she caught the eye of Port Adelaide selectors early in her career and was signed to the club as part of the 2023 Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period, after being part of the Power’s academy program for a number of years. 

But instead of a fast-tracked pathway to the national stage, her career quickly became a battle of resilience as she endured two ACL ruptures, a series of setbacks, and 18 months on the sidelines before finally earning her long-awaited debut this weekend. 

“I’m really excited. I think I've spoken to every person this week and said I’m just itching to get out there,” Young smiled. “After nearly 18 months, it’s so exciting to be able to do what I love.” 

Young’s story is not just about injury, but about perseverance. Having endured not one, but two ACL ruptures, as well as meniscus injuries and infections, her rehabilitation was as gruelling mentally as it was physically. 

“Obviously this ACL rupture was a little bit more difficult because I did my meniscus, then I did my meniscus again, and then had some infections, just a bunch of different stuff happening,” she explained. “The most difficult part was being a bit isolated from the group. On day one when I came here, the first thing I did was walk into the gym while the girls were outside training, it was difficult. 

“But I treated this rehab differently to my first ACL rupture. I think every setback that came, I just took with a grain of salt. I worked in the gym with all the people I needed to work with and got through each little injury. I’d say to myself every morning: ‘have a smile, if you need to have a cry, have a cry.’ But I tried to rock up to the club with a positive attitude, and I hope the girls thought that as well.” 

Her commitment paid off. After more than a year of building strength and fitness, Young has returned to full training, and she’s ready to make an impact. 

“I didn’t know what to expect, but my body’s held up really well,” she said. “I think it’s a credit to the work I’ve done with the strength and conditioning team. I’ve basically been running for the last 17 and a half months, so I knew my fitness would be good. Now I’m just hoping my match fitness, when I start getting into games, improves.” 

But perhaps the most powerful part of Young’s journey is her renewed perspective. After so much time away, she has a deeper appreciation for the game, and the guernsey she now gets to wear. 

“The competitive aspect of the game, that’s why I play football. I love competitiveness. Even the pressure of a game day, or the feeling you get the week leading up,” she said. 

“I told the girls this week during a team meeting to never take the guernsey for granted, because you never know when it can be taken away. I’ll always hold that with me, and I’ll play every game like it’s my last.” 

For Young, her debut is more than just a personal milestone, it’s a dream fulfilled with the club that has supported her through every setback. 

“It’s going to be unreal,” she said. “Being here through the Next Generation Academy, I’ve been here for probably five years now and it’s just flown by. The club have been so supportive. 

“I don’t know if I can say this, but I grew up being a Crows supporter. But I’ve definitely transitioned, and my whole family’s transitioned (to Port Adelaide fans). We absolutely love this club. I’m just so excited to put the guernsey on and play with the girls on the weekend.” 

And when she runs out this weekend, she’s hoping fans will see her trademark contested marking, and hopefully, a goal or two. 

“I hope they can see some contested marks – I’d like to think that’s my strength, and the height probably helps with that,” she said. “Maybe some long kicks, if we’re lucky, and hopefully some goals.” 

Lauren Young’s journey to her AFLW debut is proof that resilience can be just as powerful as talent. 

Tickets to her debut game at Alberton are on sale now.