Hayden Young

Fremantle star becomes AFL’s longest-contracted player with record new deal

A massive extension has seen the Dockers midfielder land the biggest contract in the league.

Published by
Archie Bear

Fremantle midfielder Hayden Young has signed a six-year contract extension to remain in Perth until 2033.

The contract makes Young the longest-contracted player in the league and the first to be locked in beyond 2032.

Since making his debut in 2020, Young has quickly established himself among the league's best young talents. In his breakout season in 2022, Young played a career-high 22 games for the club.

Originally from Victoria, Young said he is excited about the club's future in 2025 and beyond.

“In the five years that I've been here, I've really fallen in love with the place, and I'm super excited that this is where I'm going to be staying for the rest of my career,” said Young.

“I'm really optimistic about the direction we're heading as a club, and I really want to be a part of that going forward.”

Young capped off a career-best 2024 season with an inclusion in the All-Australian squad for the first time. His highlights included a 30-disposal, two-goal performance against Richmond.

However, Young said he still sees room for improvement.

“The next step for me is to be a consistent player,” he stated.

“I think I showed towards the back end of the year that I found some form and was playing pretty good footy. The goal is to back that up week in, week out, and keep supporting the other mids.”

Fremantle's Head of Player Personnel, David Walls, said the club is thrilled to lock away Young beyond 2027.

“He's a young leader who helps drive standards, and we couldn't be more excited to sign him as a Docker for life,” he said.

“Just his work ethic to elevate his game – he's now a goalkicking midfielder, which is extremely valuable, and he also went forward last season.”

“Moving into the midfield, he would've become highly sought after as a free agent, and his reputation around the country has gone through the roof with that switch.”

For where Hayden Young stacks up against other player deals, check out our list of the AFL's longest current player contracts.

Published by
Archie Bear