Defender Lachie Young credits teammates Easton Wood and Dale Morris with helping prepare him for an AFL career, which will start on Sunday when he makes his debut for the Western Bulldogs.

The 20-year-old told westernbulldogs.com.au that although shocked, he can’t wait to pull on the red, white and blue for the first time.

“Finding out that I’d be playing was definitely a bit of a shock... I found out on the track as our training session finished, so I had no idea,” Young said.

“It’s obviously really exciting. You dream of debuting when you’re younger, so to live that dream on Sunday, I’m thrilled.

“Growing up, you play Auskick and junior footy and all you can think about is playing AFL like all your heroes that you watch on TV, so to have that this weekend is amazing.”

Getting his first taste of AFL-level football during the Club’s second JLT Community Series match at Mars Stadium, Young said Wood and Morris had provided guidance both on and off the field in his early days as a Bulldog.

“I’ve learnt a lot from players like Easton and Dale in the backline,” Young said.

“They obviously both have a lot of experience and are real leaders at the club, so they’ve directed me really well back there at training.”

“We have a strong backline with a lot of experience down there. Players like Easton and Zaine (Cordy) are really vocal as well, so they’ll help me through and let me know if I’m in the right spots or not, so I’m really glad I’ll be out there with them.”

Making his AFL debut alongside 2018 Footscray VFL best and fairest winner Will Hayes, Young credited the midfielder’s impressive work ethic and determination to get to AFL level.

“It’s unreal to share my first game with Will,” said Young.

“He’s been dominating at VFL level, so it’s awesome for him to finally get an opportunity with the AFL side.”

“Hopefully we can both help us get the win on the weekend, and I can get drowned in Gatorade with Will afterwards.”