Western Australian Football League star Ross Young has been named the inaugural captain of Richmond’s VFL team.

The 30-year-old Sandover Medallist arrives at Richmond with a wealth of playing and leadership experience, from a number of leagues across the country.

Young was unveiled as captain at the launch of Richmond’s VFL team at the ME Bank Centre today (Friday, December 6).

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“Richmond has got a long and proud heritage, and to be the first captain of the VFL Club is certainly a huge honour,” Young told Roar Vision.

"I’m obviously an older player here, and I’ve played across a number of different leagues, so I think I’m going to be able to share all of those experiences with the group.

“I think I’ll be really communicative.  Hopefully I’ll lead from the front, and be open and transparent with the group.”

After representing the Bendigo Pioneers in the under 18s in 2001, Young played three seasons for University Blues in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, where he won a Best and Fairest and played in a premiership.

He then found himself a senior regular in the VFL for the Northern Bullants, before Carlton found a spot for him on its rookie list in 2007.

He was elevated to the senior list, where he played six games at AFL level, before being delisted.

From 2008-11, Young represented Perth Demons Football Club in the WAFL, and took his game to another level.

He won the competition’s Best and Fairest in 2009, two Club Best and Fairest awards with Perth in 2009 and 2011, and was the Demons’ captain in 2012.

In 2013, he returned to University Blues, where he captained a VAFA representative side which played International Rules in Ireland.

That considerable list of achievements makes it easy to see why Richmond’s VFL coaches were so keen for his services.

“I think Tim (Clarke) and the coaching staff have done an excellent job so far.  They’ve recruited some great players, and I think we’re gelling together really well,” Young said.

“Everyone has come together in a relatively short space of time.  We’ve all been together three weeks now, and everyone’s new and in the same boat.

“Hopefully we can continue that progression over the next couple of weeks and into next year, and be a force to be reckoned with in 2014.”