The versatility of Tom Young could become a future asset in the Western Bulldogs’ defensive line, after the 20-year-old demonstrated the ability to shut down opposition talls, as well as play as a rebounding defender against Fremantle on Saturday.

Development Coach Ashley Hansen said the 191cm defender proved capable of assuming a range of roles in the back six during the Bulldogs NAB Cup campaign, including lining up on both key position Zac Clarke and smaller forwards.

“His rebound and his athletic ability is really starting to shine through,” Hansen said.

“We were delighted to get him down here this year, so now he is starting to really build into some confidence and some good fitness to provide that rebound from defence.

“But also that real competitive aggression of the defensive side of his game, which really made him shine a couple of years ago when our recruiters first noticed him.”

Traded from Collingwood at the conclusion of 2012, Young has joined an emerging group of young defenders who will battle for spots in the senior line up this season.

The competitive recruit’s ability to adapt to a range of opponents and positions could give him boost come team selection.

Throughout the pre-season Young has also focussed on his overall fitness and disposal efficiency as he looks to become more dependable in pressure situations.

“[The new recruits] have all come in here with traits and great skills that are obviously going to make them good AFL players and that is what we have identified by bringing them in here in the first place,” Hansen said.

“So it is just his consistency of disposal, consistency of competitiveness – so making sure he is shutting down an opponent before he is becoming too creative – and just his decision making… making sure he is making the right option at the right time.”