Langford Looks to Kick Injury Curse and Spearhead Bombers’ Resurgence
Kyle Langford is hoping a persistent run of injuries is a thing of the past as he aims to play a significant role in Essendon’s push up the AFL ladder. After a frustrating year where he was limited to just nine games, Langford dedicated his off-season to overcoming his injury woes. He spent time at a specialised elite sports medicine facility in Qatar, a move that appears to be paying dividends.
The 29-year-old reports feeling significantly healthier, estimating he’s completed 90-95 per cent of the pre-season program. This has been achieved through close collaboration with Essendon’s new fitness staff, Mat Inness and David Regan. Langford now feels he’s in a strong position, both physically and mentally, heading into Essendon’s season-opener against Hawthorn at the MCG.
“All you really want is to have that foundation at the start of the year so you’re not always playing catch-up,” Langford commented. “I feel like my body, at least right now, is set for a good year. The hamstrings and the quad were just unfortunate… but I’m looking forward to this year and we’ve got a pretty good plan in place.”
Langford, a two-time recipient of the club’s leading goalkicker award, is also a part of a restructured Essendon leadership group. This change comes after former captain Zach Merrett stepped down from the captaincy following his unsuccessful trade attempt to Hawthorn. Langford has publicly backed new skipper Andy McGrath and believes Merrett will continue to be a vital presence in the Bombers’ midfield.
“He’s the ultimate professional in the way he goes about his footy,” Langford said of Merrett, a six-time best-and-fairest winner. “He’s been preparing in training really well and he, out of everyone, just wants to go out there and play some really good footy.”
A New Chapter in a Fierce Rivalry
Essendon endured a tough season last year, managing only six wins and finishing with a lengthy injury list. The team is eager for a fresh start in 2026, and their season opener against Hawthorn marks the beginning of another chapter in their long-standing rivalry.
“It’s a massive game to show the competition what we’ve been doing over the last three months,” Langford stated. “There’s going to be 90,000 plus people there, so we’re excited to get out there. The Hawks have already had a bit of a run and we’re keen to go up against them.”
The Bombers have opted to debut three of their draftees from last year – Dyson Sharp, Max Kondogiannis, and Huss El Achkar – for their opening-round clash. This decision signals the club’s commitment to injecting fresh talent into the senior side.
Team Changes for the Hawks
Meanwhile, Hawthorn has made significant adjustments to their lineup following their heavy defeat in the opening round. The Hawks have dropped Harry Morrison and Finn Maginness, bringing in Ned Reeves and Cam Mackenzie for their encounter with Essendon. These changes indicate a strategic shift by the Hawks as they look to rebound from their disappointing start to the season. The Bombers will be looking to capitalise on any potential instability within the Hawthorn lineup.
The Bombers’ preparation has been focused on building a solid foundation, and Langford’s renewed fitness is a key component of that strategy. With a revitalised squad and a clear game plan, Essendon will be looking to make a statement against their traditional rivals and set a positive tone for the remainder of the season. The success of their young draftees in their debut matches will also be closely watched, as it could provide valuable insights into the future direction of the club. The intensity of the Essendon-Hawthorn rivalry is always a significant factor, and this season opener promises to be no different, with both teams eager to claim early bragging rights.
