After the successes of UNSW-ES Bulldogs junior and Phelan Medalist Dane Rampe at the Sydney Swans over the last 14 months, another East Sydney Bulldogs junior is starting to make his mark at AFL level.
Now playing for the defending premiers Hawthorn, many years ago Will Langford started his football journey in Sydney with the East Sydney Bulldogs at the age of six, playing at the famous Trumper Park oval in Paddington. He won numerous awards during his 11 years with the Bulldogs. Winning an Under 12 Grand Final in 2003 under the coaching of Ross Lewis.
As a junior, Will was a tall lanky player, who also played Rugby for his school Cranbrook. He often played Rugby on a Saturday mornings for school and a game of Australian Rules in the afternoon. He was fast, he could kick, and he could tackle. The physicality he gained from rugby complemented his silky AFL talent and made him a standout in his junior years.
In 2007 and 2008 while in the Under 15's and 16's both Swans premiership coach Paul Roos and Will's father Chris - a 300 game player and Hawthorn team of the century member himself - both played roles in coaching his team and developing his footy talent. He certainly learnt his craft from some of the best in the business.
In 2008 Will was picked to represent the NSW/ACT Rams where he featured strongly. Entering into senior footy he joined the UNSW-ES AFC (Bulldogs) in 2009, where he played a few games before heading to Melbourne to pursue the chance to play AFL football. The move paid dividends when he was picked up with the number 85 pick of the rookie draft at the conclusion of 2010 - Only two more players were to be drafted for the year.
Since receiving his first AFL contract Will plugged away for the Box Hill Hawks and was rewarded individually with a debut against the Western Bulldogs. A couple of months later he was a starring member of the Hawks VFL premiership team. To top of the year Will was elevated from the Hawks rookie list to their senior list.
After a great pre season Will has now played the first three games of the 2014 season collecting 43 disposals and 15 clearances mainly playing in run with roles and even having a feature article from Jack Niall in the Age written about him (Click Here). Tonight he just may well go head to head against the legendary Gary Ablett Jnr. We wish him all the best.
Last Modified on 12/04/2014 19:10