The stats

AFL games: 13

Disposals per game: 17.2

Marks: 2.4

Kicks: 9.1

Tackles: 5

Goals: 4

Review

It was an up-and-down season for Will Langford, playing most games in the first half of the season before being omitted from the side on the cusp of the finals series.

The 2014 premiership hero has endeared himself to Hawks fans with his attack on the ball and the opposition, as well as his ability to shadow a key opposition midfielder if required.

His performance against Geelong in Round 1 was a standout game, collecting 20 disposals, eight tackles, six clearances and two goals in a losing effort.

While perhaps not gathering the amount of possessions as some of his midfield counterparts, his tackling was the hallmark of his 13 AFL appearances in 2016, averaging 5 tackles per game.

With some of Hawthorn’s veterans entering the back end of their careers, the focus for Langford going into the pre-season would be to retain a regular place in the Hawthorn side, and recapture the form which saw him play a pivotal role in the Hawks’ midfield two years ago.

A word from: Damian Carroll

“Will had a mixed season in that he was able to play 13 games for the year, but as he would agree, he had fluctuations in form at times and inconsistent patches during games and during the season.

“It would have been nice to see him have more opportunity at senior level on top of his 13 appearances – he played five VFL games in addition to his AFL games.

“He’s still searching for the form he displayed at the end of 2014, but we also know that in some of the key stats that we require to be a good footy side, Will rates quite highly.

“If he can continue to hunt the ball and do some good work on the inside as well as finishing off his good work with some good decision making and composure, we’ll certainly see more of him at AFL level in 2017.”