Lewis Young is no longer the new kid on the block.

Young arrived at the Kennel 14 months ago as a 197cm key forward, but the Dogs quickly transformed him into an intercepting defender, playing seven matches after making his debut in Round 17.

Now, approaching his second season at the Club, Young says it’s down to business for the playing group.

“I think everyone is just excited to put their heads down and do the hard yards,” Young told RSN927 this morning.

“We’ve got a lot to give and we’re all quite excited about what we can achieve.”

The youngest player on an AFL list in 2017, Young took 19 marks in his first two matches and played out the season in defence, learning from each game.

“Credit to the coaches for leaving me in there, because that did give me a lot of confidence coming into this year,” said Young.

“I’m working a bit on my disposals – so my kicking and handballing – (and) I’m also working on my positioning.

“Just learning the game-plan is always an ongoing thing, so learning that over and over again never hurts.”

Drafted as a forward from Sturt in the SANFL, the 19-year-old quickly adapted to a new role in defence.

“At the moment I see myself as a defender and this pre-season I’m really working on my defensive craft.

“Rohan Smith came to me (last year) and said Bevo (Senior Coach, Luke Beveridge) wanted to look at me in defence.

“He played me in a few pre-season VFL games so that was where it all changed. During the season I was told about half way through that I’d be staying in defence for the rest of the year.

“I had a few good games and then ended up in the AFL side.”

Young will now pull on the #2 jumper which was worn with distinction for 17 seasons by retired club great Bob Murphy.

“I am very humbled to be offered the jumper by Bevo and very excited to wear the number this year,” said Young.

“But, at the end of the day, it is just a number and I do play for the red, white and blue on the front of the guernsey.”