In brief
AFL matches: 13
Average disposals per game: 19.3
Goals: 4
VFL matches: 6
Average disposals per game: 18.6
Goals: 2
Review
WHEN Will Langford re-signed with the Hawks earlier this year, he talked about the highs and lows of football.
This time last year, Langford experienced the ultimate high of being a premiership player, after enjoying a breakthrough season in which he played 19 AFL matches.
The 2015 season started in a similar vein for the ball-winner, with Langford playing the first eight games and building on the reputation he earned during an outstanding 2014 finals campaign.
Strong performances in Round 3, when he collected 26 disposals against Western Bulldogs, and Round 7, when he collected 26 disposals against Melbourne, helped establish Langford as an important contributor in the Hawks’ engine room.
A corked calf saw the 23-year-old lose his spot ahead of Round 9, but after a short stint in the VFL, Langford returned to the senior side.
Consistent performances against Essendon and Collingwood followed, but a knee injury then sidelined the tough-as-nails utility for a month.
Langford returned on the verge of finals, proving his fitness with Box Hill Hawks before playing in Round 22, Round 23 and the Hawks’ qualifying loss to West Coast Eagles.
A 17-disposal, seven-tackle qualifying final wasn’t enough for Langford to keep his place in the senior side, but he returned to Box Hill to be a strong performer in their preliminary final win (when he kicked the winning goal) and grand final loss (when he tallied 24 disposals, six tackles, six clearances and five inside-50s).
Stats-wise, Langford’s performances at senior level in 2015 stacked up similarly to last season.
Despite his limited appearances at AFL level, he still averaged more contested possessions per game than any other Hawk, with 11.7 per game.
He averaged 19.3 disposals and 4.3 tackles per game this year, compared to 19.2 disposals and 4.7 tackles in 2014.
Langford signed a four-year deal late this season, and after playing 13 of a possible 26 matches in 2015, will be determined to establish himself in the Hawks’ side in 2016.
GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan says...
“I think he would be the first one to tell you that this year wasn’t the sort of year he would ideally liked to have had (after being a key player in a premiership team in 2014),” Fagan said.
“I think in many ways it will be an important learning curve for him and we think he will come back a better player next year for having gone through that experience.
“What he will do is work really hard on his game, try to improve in some areas and build on his strengths – aggression, pace and tackling ability.
“He’s a bloke that can give the team a real buzz and he’ll be bigger and better next year, and hopefully become a regular selection in the AFL team.”
In the news
VIDEO: Ask a Hawk: Langford
NEWS: Langford’s senior return a success
NEWS: Four more years for Langford
NEWS: Langford impresses in Box Hill loss
VIDEO: Play Your Role: Langford
