After a strong finish to the 2018 season that saw him cement a spot in Essendon’s midfield, Kyle Langford loomed as one of the Bombers’ big improvers in 2019.

The 22-year-old was slow out of the blocks, however, twice omitted for a total of just three games from the first eight rounds.

Undeterred, Langford earned a recall in round nine and didn’t look back, with a run of 15 consecutive games taking his season tally to 18 – his best output to date. 

Splitting his time between midfield and forward, the former No.17 draft pick made his presence felt on the scoreboard, booting 15 goals.

Nine of them came in last quarters, including narrow wins over GWS, Hawthorn and Gold Coast, showcasing his tendency to stand up when contests were in the balance. 

While his ability to impact games was evident, he’ll be determined to do it on a more consistent basis in 2020 and beyond.

KEY STATS

Games: 18

Goals: 15

Average disposals: 17.4

Average tackles: 3.1

Average score involvements: 4.1

Average inside 50s: 2.7

BEST PEFORMANCE

Spending more time in midfield against Hawthorn in round 13, Langford produced arguably his most complete performance of the season in the 19-point win at Marvel Stadium. 

He shared the lead for the Bombers in clearances (six) and goals (two), while having 21 disposals (81 per cent efficiency), two tackles and six score involvements.

His second major at the five-minute mark of the last term stifled the Hawks’ momentum, who had closed within three goals in a late charge.


Langford celebrates his final-term goal against the Hawks. (Photo: AFL Photos)

MIGHTY MOMENT 

It's hard to go past Langford's back-to-back goals to secure a finals berth in round 22.

With the Dockers mounting a final-term comeback to cut the Bombers' lead to 19 points, Langford showed poise to convert on the run against the flow.

He added a second just a minute later to give Essendon an unassailable lead and seal September action.

2020 VISION

Contracted until the end of 2020, Langford will look to build his tank and improve his midfield craft in a bid to spend more minutes in the engine room.

The Bombers need a big-bodied midfielder to complement their outside runners and could turn to Langford, who stands at 191cm.