Yartapuulti forward Lauren Young has been recognised for her breakout performance in Round 3, earning a Telstra AFLW Rising Star nomination following the side’s thrilling four-point win over Greater Western Sydney.
The 20-year-old capped an outstanding four-quarter performance with a match-winning moment at Manuka Oval on Sunday, kicking a goal with just seconds remaining to seal a remarkable 7.10 (52) to 8.0 (48) victory.
With the scores level late in the fourth quarter, Matilda Scholz and Teagan Germech combined to launch Yartapuulti forward, with the attack ultimately ending in Young’s clutch major after she took a brilliant contested mark.
Young finished the afternoon with 18 disposals, 11 kicks and two goals, playing a key role in Yartapuulti’s second win of the 2026 season.
The highly touted forward is quickly establishing herself as a dangerous presence inside 50, with her contested marking, forward craft and ability to read the game becoming key strengths.
Yartapuulti's Head of AFLW Dan Merrett said the nomination was great recognition of Young’s hard work throughout the pre-season.
“Lauren has shown glimpses of what she’s capable of, but to produce a moment like that when the game was on the line was really pleasing,” Merrett said.
“She’s worked incredibly hard on her game and continues to grow in confidence. We know she has a lot of talent, and performances like this are a great reward for the work she’s putting in.
“Lauren has had a strong pre-season, and the growth in her craft, particularly her contested marking and attack at the footy, is quickly becoming a staple of her game.
“She goes about her work on and off the track quietly and professionally, so this is wonderful recognition for her.”
Young described both the match-winning moment and her Rising Star nomination as “special”.
“It was pretty special, especially to do it with the girls and in such a close game. To be nominated for a Rising Star as well, I can’t believe it. I’m so grateful,” Young said.
“I saw Matilda take the mark and knew we had a chance to get it forward. When the ball came in from Teagan, I just wanted to compete and do my job, and thankfully it worked out.
“It’s a scenario we’ve been practising at training, so it’s pretty funny that it played out almost exactly as we’d trained!
“My contested marking is something I’ve been working really hard on, as well as being able to impact the game when the ball comes inside 50.
“Having a full pre-season to develop that aspect of my game and grow as a player has been amazing, and I’m so thankful for my teammates and coaches who have played such important roles in my development as a player.”
The nomination is another milestone for Young, who made her AFLW debut in 2025 after missing the 2024 season with an ACL injury.
A product of South Australia, Young was recruited from Goodwood Saints and West Adelaide and joined Yartapuulti through the 2023 Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period.
The versatile 178cm forward was considered a potential number one draft pick and has built an impressive football résumé from a young age, including being named SANFLW best and fairest, South Australian MVP and All-Australian at the Under 19 National Championships at just 15 years of age.
Young also claimed the SANFLW Breakthrough Player and Coaches’ awards in the same season.
Now in her seventh AFLW game, Young’s match-winning performance against the Giants marks another step forward for one of the club’s most exciting young players.
