Dandenong Stingrays prospect Harvey Langford could live out his "dream" of joining Richmond as the first overall pick in the AFL Draft next month, with the gun midfielder ready to "put my best foot forward" as a likely top five selection.
The big-bodied 190cm ball winner has enjoyed a dominant 2024 draft campaign, helping lead the Stingrays in the Talent League while also sharing the Larke Medal with Suns Academy talent Leonardo Lombard as the best player at the U18s National Championships for Vic Country.
Langford also featured for the AFL Academy and in Richmond's VFL program this year, playing at a standard that could now warrant a selection as early as Pick 1.
With the club he grew up supporting holding the opening pick, Langford has been left amazed by the thought of donning the yellow and black as this year's draft dux.
While happy to go anywhere in the AFL, the U18 All-Australian and dynamic midfield threat has long dreamt of playing for his beloved Tigers.
"Yeah, maybe. That'd be a dream. Anywhere I go would be a dream," Langford said when quizzed on potentially being selected by Richmond atop the draft board.
"It's pretty hard to think (I could go first overall) I guess. It's always been my dream. To think there is a possibility is pretty amazing. I guess we'll just see how it all pans out.
"There would be heaps of pressure coming into next year, but I think I'll be able to handle it pretty well, I've got heaps of support around me."
Langford, who likens his game to Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli given his size, athleticism and stoppage craft, averaged 25.5 disposals, 7.7 contested possessions, 6.2 marks and 6.2 clearances for Vic Country this year to win the MVP award for his side, who reached the grand final of this year's national carnival.
Arguably the highlight of his year came in August when Langford featured in Richmond's VFL side against Carlton at Princes Park, with the teenager managing a dozen disposals at the state league level.
The Mount Martha product showed poise and promise in Steve Morris' side as he gained tutelage from two-time Richmond premiership player Marlion Pickett during the nine-point win over the Blues.
"It was the biggest step up from U18s footy," he said.
"I really enjoyed the experience and felt like I did pretty well. I had some nice moments. I definitely enjoyed the week of training with Richmond, it was heaps of fun.
Young gun Harvey Langford will feature for us as our 23rd player this morning.
Go well, Harvey! ๐ช pic.twitter.com/PuhpwhJKzW
— Richmond VFL (@RichmondVFL) August 18, 2024
"Marlion Pickett was really good with me, especially game day. He just made sure I knew what I was doing and made sure I was comfortable in the environment."
Langford, along with close to 100 other draft prospects this weekend, has looked to sell himself to AFL coaches and recruiters as part of this year's draft combine proceedings.
Work rate, attacking nous, aerial impact and leadership qualities are among the many traits that define Langford, who hopes clubs see the effort he puts into everything he does.
"I think I really thrive on how hard I work," Langford said.
"With everything I do I just put my best foot forward and get the most out of everything. Hopefully in the future a bit of leadership as well.
"(Player comparisons) have always been Bontempelli. He's obviously a bit of a bigger midfielder and is able to go down forward and impact on the scoreboard and in the air, it's something that I tried to do."
Langford is equally excited to push the case of his Stingrays co-captain Cooper Hynes, who is another top 20 draft chance for November's intake after a prolific year that saw him finish runner-up for the Morrish Medal in the Talent League.
His form for Vic Country, where he was able to wax with Langford, has placed the attacking midfield talent in the conversations for the draft's first round.
If there was a teammate Langford thought deserves more recognition ahead of the draft, it's Hynes.
"I've got a teammate I'm pretty close to at the Stingrays, Cooper Hynes, we're pretty similar players," Langford said.
"He's a beast in the contest, and his goal sense is pretty amazing.
"So I'd say him."
The 2024 AFL Draft will take place on November 20-21.
