Fremantle Dockers star Hayden Young ruled out of Melbourne clash after latest injury blow

Fremantle star Hayden Young’s soft tissue troubles have continued with a hamstring strain ruling him out of the Dockers’ clash with Melbourne on Saturday night.

The club revealed on Wednesday afternoon that Young would not take on the Demons in their first game at Optus Stadium for the season after he reported “awareness” in the loss to Geelong at the weekend.

It is the latest in a series of soft tissue injuries for the 25-year-old, who played only nine games last year because of hamstring trouble, which required surgery in May before a groin injury felled him later in the season.

“Youngy reported some awareness against Geelong, but he remained functional and was able to play out the game,” Fremantle football boss Joe Brierty said.

“With ongoing awareness early in the week, he was sent to scans, which have revealed a hamstring strain.

“While the strain is low-grade, given Hayden’s history, we will gather all the information and assess him functionally over the next week before setting his return to play timeline.”

Young and ruckman Sean Darcy went to the famed rehabilitation clinic Aspetar in Doha late last year to work with renowned performance rehabilitation specialist Dr Enda King to try to end the injury troubles.

The midfielder had 16 disposals and a goal in the loss to the Cats and will now race to be fit to take on Richmond on Saturday, March 28.

His importance to the side was highlighted in a remarkable performance against West Coast in round 20 of last season, when he won the Glendinning-Allan Medal after collecting 23 touches and kicking three goals despite playing only a little over three quarters.

It was only his first game in three months; however, he was subbed out against Carlton the next week with an adductor strain before returning for the must-win clash against the Western Bulldogs in round 24.

Speaking to The West Australian last month, Young said his body had felt “really good”.

“I had a consistent off-season. The body is feeling great, I am feeling confident and I’m looking forward to the season,” he said.

“I think the main thing I have done differently is I haven’t missed a session. When you miss a lot of training it makes you vulnerable to soft tissue injuries and this year I haven’t missed any training.

“There are a few things I’ve tweaked in the gym with my strength and conditioning. Largely it is staying fit and healthy, and getting kilometres in the legs is the main thing.

“Last year was a domino affect. One thing led to another and then you’re just playing catch-up. I’ve had a good block of time where I’ve been able to build my body back up from scratch almost. I am feeling confident in the new things in terms of my preparation and the work behind me helps.”

Young is now the latest in several first-choice players who are unavailable, joining defender Brennan Cox (calf) and veteran Jaeger O’Meara on the sidelines.

His injury opens the door for wingman Jeremy Sharp to earn a call-up after a strong performance in a pre-season game for Peel Thunder.

The West Australian understands Sharp was a standout for the Thunder playing as an inside midfielder rather than out on a wing, where he has traditionally used his power running to stand out.