Young joins SANFL greats on Magarey Grove

By ZAC MILBANK

North Adelaide’s 18th Magarey Medallist, Aaron Young, is the first to admit he initially didn’t have an understanding of South Australia’s rich football history.

Originally from Wantirna South Junior Football Club east of Melbourne, Young was drafted from the Eastern Ranges Football Club by Port Adelaide in the 2010 AFL Draft.

Selected by North Adelaide in SANFL’s ‘’Mini Draft’’ for Crows and Power AFL-listed players, Young made his League debut for the Roosters in 2011 before playing a total of 100 AFL games with the Power (76) and Gold Coast Suns (24).

Now with 88 SANFL games under his belt and the competition’s award as its fairest and most brilliant player in his trophy cabinet, Young is well aware of what it means to have his name rest permanently along Magarey Grove.

”Coming over from Victoria you don’t understand (the significance) of some of the traditions over here,” said Young as he was joined by North Adelaide board members, staff and coach Jacob Surjan for the ceremony outside Adelaide Oval’s northern gate.

”Then you come over and realise how strong a football competition it has been for so many years so to have my name down with some of the greats of SA football is an amazing feeling.

”It’s a great location and a beautiful walk if you are just coming down here as a regular person. For me it will be great, I know I will come to a lot of games of footy here, hopefully take the kids some day and make sure we always walk past the name.”

”It’s a special moment to have my Mum come over from Melbourne, and to have my partner here as well. It’s great to see it in real life and will be something I look back on fondly in the years to come.”

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Young said his 30-year-old body was in good shape throughout preseason training with the Roosters as he seeks to chase a Hostplus SANFL League premiership in 2023.

Detailing the hurt which came with last year’s one-point Grand Final loss to Norwood, Young said everyone at Prospect had returned to training in ”great nick” as they use the disappointment of 2022 as motivation.

Young joined illustrious Roosters such as Barrie Robran, Andrew Jarman, Brenton Phillips, and teammate Campbell Combe, in having his name etched in history.

Magarey Grove, located outside the northern entrance to Adelaide Oval, is a tree-lined tribute to the winners of the Magarey Medal – Australian football’s oldest and longest awarded medal.

Brought to life by former SANFL president Max Basheer AM and former City of Charles Sturt Mayor, the late John Dyer AM, the original Magarey Grove was established in 1988 along West Lakes Boulevard adjacent to South Australia’s home of football for 40 years, Football Park.

Following the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval and subsequent sale of Football Park, SANFL worked closely with the City of Charles Sturt and Adelaide City Council to relocate Magarey Grove, which was officially opened at Adelaide Oval in 2018.