Young pup could put bite back into Dogs

AN 18-year-old could provide the spark that reignites the Western Bulldogs’ AFL premiership defence.

It’s a lot of pressure to place on the league’s youngest player but Lewis Young showed class and maturity beyond his years on debut during the Dogs’ 20-point win over Carlton on Sunday.

The South Australian patrolled the half-back flank with aplomb, gathering 21 disposals and nine marks.

Coming a week after a disastrous loss to Adelaide, Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said Young’s bright start had brought good vibes to Whitten Oval.

“I think everyone’s buoyed by Youngy’s performance,” Beveridge said.

“To have that bright spot when things are a little bit vanilla, it always gives everyone a little bit of a pep. It’s important for our future. Some of those younger guys, like Bailey Williams also, haven’t played a lot of footy yet.

“There’s always pressure for spots but I think there’s 11 out at the moment so that pressure’s been diluted a little bit.”

Beveridge had previously spoken of his side having lost their spark, while denying they were in the midst of a premiership hangover.

A combination of injuries and form issues have led to greater opportunities for a host of younger players, with Williams, Bailey Dale and Mitch Honeychurch all impressing.

The 11th-placed Dogs have the chance to boost their finals chances when they face Gold Coast in Cairns on Saturday.

Young’s chance to back up his excellent start could be stymied by the return of former skipper Easton Wood, who served a one-game suspension last week for striking Adelaide’s Mitch McGovern.

The Bulldogs are yet to decide if veteran defender Matthew Boyd will return from a “nagging” achilles issue.