New West Coast Eagles recruit Tylar Young has spoken of the immense honour and responsibility he feels after being entrusted with the club's famous No.20 guernsey. The key defender, who joined the Eagles during the recent AFL trade period, is determined to carve out his own successful chapter in the jumper's storied history.
A Legacy to Uphold
The number 20 holds a special place in West Coast folklore, most famously worn by champion ruckman and club games record holder Dean Cox. Young, who crossed from Richmond where he wore No.37, is acutely aware of the legacy he is stepping into. He expressed his deep respect for the players who have made the number iconic before him.
Young was officially presented with his new guernsey at the club's Mineral Resources Park headquarters on Monday. The 25-year-old said he had already received a message of support from Cox himself, which he described as a huge confidence boost. "It's a massive honour," Young stated, acknowledging the weight of expectation that comes with the prestigious number.
Building a New Backline Partnership
One of the most anticipated aspects of Young's arrival is his potential partnership with fellow key defender and reigning club champion Tom Barrass. With veteran Jeremy McGovern also marshalling the defence, the Eagles are building a formidable tall backline unit for the 2025 AFL season.
Young is excited by the prospect of learning from and playing alongside Barrass. He highlighted their complementary styles, noting Barrass's elite intercept marking and his own focus on a strong, lockdown defensive role. The duo's partnership is seen as a cornerstone of West Coast's planned defensive resurgence.
The trade that brought Young to Perth was part of a multi-club deal that also involved Brisbane. West Coast secured Young by sending their future third-round selection to Richmond, demonstrating their clear intent to bolster their defensive stocks immediately.
Embracing the West Coast Culture
Since arriving in Western Australia, Young has been immersing himself in the Eagles' environment and connecting with his new teammates. He has been particularly impressed by the club's culture and the standards being set under senior coach Adam Simpson.
Young's primary goal is to repay the faith shown in him by the club and its supporters through consistent, team-oriented performances. He aims to bring physicality, accountability, and a strong work ethic to the defensive group. "I just want to come in and play my role for the team," he said, emphasising a team-first mentality.
While he respects the past, Young is focused on creating his own legacy in the navy blue and gold. His journey from Richmond, where he played 31 games after being rookie-listed, to a key position at West Coast represents a significant step in his AFL career. Eagles fans will be eager to see if this new defensive pillar can help shore up their backline and propel the team up the ladder in the coming seasons.
