By Tara Murray
The Werribee footy factory was at it again on Wednesday night as Flynn Young and Zac Banch became the latest Tigers to get their AFL opportunity.
Banch was taken at pick two in the AFL mid-season draft, with his Werribee premiership teammate Flynn Young going two spots later at Carlton.
Banch joined Werribee at the start of last year and has taken his game to another level this year in the Victorian Football League.
The 21-year-old has booted nine goals in 2025, including back-to-back three-goal hauls in rounds four and five.
In round six this season, Banch equalled the all-time VFL record for score assists with eight, in a best-on-ground performance against Frankston.
North Melbourne recruiting manager Will Thursfield said he’s a high half forward with great running ability.
“He’s very clean, he’s very crafty, he doesn’t need much time to make his decisions, and he’s a very nice kick of the footy,” he said.
“He’s an impact player. Half his touches have ended up in scores, so he’s damaging and is very good defensively, too.
“He’s honest, he’ll step in, he’ll tackle, he’s a tough little man, and he’s a pretty infectious sort of personality.”
Young had a breakout season with the Tigers last season and played a key role in their premiership.
The Blues said he is highly regarded for not only his classy left foot but also his aerial ability.
Carlton list management head Nick Austin said Young’s incredible rise to AFL football in the space of 18 months was built off hard work.
“Flynn has gone from strength to strength in the last little while and we couldn’t be happier to bring him to the football club,” he said.
“At 23 years of age, it hasn’t been the conventional path to the elite level for Flynn – what he has shown in his time at Werribee is his appetite for getting the best out of himself and leaving no stone unturned.
“He’s produced some big moments in some big finals at VFL level, and we think he offers something different as a dynamic player in the front half.
“He can play multiple roles, he backs in his ball use and he’s a threat in the air and on the ground: we’re excited to see what he can produce at our footy club.”
Speaking in a video on Carlton’s social media, Young said he was excited to join the club.
“Looking forward to making the trip up to Carlton, some great memories at Ikon Park and can’t wait to create many more and just get stuck into it with the boys and meet all the staff and players.”
The pair are the latest from the Tigers to get their opportunity at the next level in recent years.
Shaun Mannagh was picked up by Geelong after his 2023 VFL best and ground performance, while Sam Clohesy, who won the Fothergill–Round–Mitchell Medal that year, headed to Gold Coast.
Premiership players Aidan Johnson and Riley Bice were both selected in last year’s national draft by Melbourne and Sydney respectively.
Jack Henderson was taken right before the 2025 AFL season started as an pre-season supplementary selection pick.
Brisbane Lions premiership forward Logan Morris played one game for Werribee in his draft year in 2023.
Dom Brew spent the pre-season at the Western Bulldogs as well.
