IT’S a new year and we’re pretty excited about the challenges that lie ahead for the team in 2016.
There’s sure to be plenty of talented young Hawks vying for senior berths over the next couple of months of pre-season training and NAB Challenge matches.
We’ve taken a look at 10 second-to-sixth year players who will be hoping they can push their names into the frame for regular senior selection this year.
Name: Will Langford
Age: 23
Guernsey: 29
Height: 187 cm
Weight: 83 kg
Games (2015): 13
Games (career): 33
Drafted: Pick no. 85, 2011 Rookie Draft
After an injury-hampered 2015, Will Langford will be hoping he can stay fit – and fire – in 2016.
With a premiership to his name at just 23 years of the age, the tough midfielder will want to contribute to team success again this season.
According to the 2015 AFL Season Guide…
Went from fringe player to premiership hero in the space of a month after a magnificent finals series in which he averaged 23 possessions and kicked five goals, including three in the Grand Final.
Primarily used as a run-with player for much of 2014, he showed in the finals he can be damaging when allowed to play a more attacking role.
The tougher the contest, the more he loves it and he led the Hawks in hard-ball gets.
In 2015…
Having experienced a break-out year in 2014, Langford had a less consistent season in 2015 despite featuring in the first eight games.
He battled knee and calf injuries in the latter half of the year and was unable to hold his spot in the side after the Hawks’ qualifying final loss to the Eagles.
However Langford re-signed with the club until the end of 2019 in August, and the club believes he will have a key role to play in years to come.
Where would he slot in?
Before injuries interrupted his 2015 season, the hard-at-it onballer was a regular in the Hawks’ side.
Capable of playing in an in-and-under role or as a lockdown player, Langford’s flexibility will ensure he is in the frame for senior selection in 2016.
Pre-season update…
Getting his body right has been Langford’s focus this pre-season.
“My strength is probably my explosiveness and bursting from stoppages, so I just need to keep working on the little things and being able to feed my teammates on the outside from the stoppage,” he said from the club’s pre-season camp.
