Fremantle youngster Hayden Young signs until 2033, becomes longest contracted player in AFL history
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As mega contracts become the new normal for the AFL, Fremantle's Hayden Young has joined the club.
The 23-year-old signed a deal tying him to the Dockers until 2033, which crowns him the newest king with the longest contract in the league.
Young was already contracted with Fremantle until 2027, but signed the six-year extension on Wednesday.
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Young now leapfrogs St Kilda's Max King (signed until 2032), GWS defender Sam Taylor and Bulldog Aaron Naughton.
Richmond's Noah Balta and Port skipper Connor Rozee are also committed to their respective clubs until 2032.
Hayden Young has signed until 2033. Getty
Gold Coast Suns' young star Mac Andrew is signed on a mega deal that takes him to 2030, with a trigger that will extend him to 2034.
Young's deal takes him well beyond the inception of the AFL's 19th club, Tasmania, who are set to join the league in 2028.
And while the decision may be shocking for some, the defender, who hails from Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, said he could not be more content.
"In the five years that I've been here, I've really fallen in love, and I'm super excited that this is where I'm going to be staying for the rest of my career," Young said on Wednesday.
Hayden Young, alongside Port Adelaide's Connor Rozee, are both signed beyond 2030. Getty
"It's super special. When I arrived at the football club, I was welcomed in really well.
"They obviously took a punt on me at pick 7 as an 18-year-old who had never travelled to Fremantle and didn't know much about the club."
Young declared that he has "settled into" life in Western Australia, with no desire to move back to his home state to continue his career.
"I've settled into life in Perth, and I certainly don't want to shift and move now that I've settled in," he said.
Mac Andrew of the Suns celebrates after scoring a goal in round 21. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"I've got a house, live near the beach. It's a pretty good lifestyle to live.
"So to know that I'll be here for the next nine years is a bit crazy but also super exciting. I'm stoked.
Young has played just 80 games since his debut in 2020.
