The prospect of roving at Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling’s feet alongside gun smalls Jamie Cripps and Liam Ryan held significant appeal for West Coast’s latest recruit Zac Langdon as he weighed a return to Perth.
After three seasons in Sydney playing for the Giants, the Claremont product became an Eagle on the opening day of the Trade Period on Wednesday, with his return to the west confirmed in exchange for pick 54.
“I think West Coast have probably got if not the best (one of the) most dangerous forward lines in the comp at the moment,” Langdon told westcoasteagles.com.au shortly after the trade was confirmed.
“Hopefully I can add to that mix and I’m really excited to play alongside those boys.
“I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season and earn respect.”
A proven goalkicker who can run all day and is renowned for his tackling pressure, Langdon was enticed by a clearly defined role at West Coast.
While he was in and out of Greater Western Sydney’s side this season – after a serious ankle injury had wrecked his 2019 campaign – the 177cm dynamo has previously shown what he is capable of as a threat inside 50.
After being recruited as a 22-year-old, Langdon kicked 21 goals from as many games in 2018 and averaged more than four tackles in a side that made it to the semi-final stage.
West Coast list manager Darren Glass is confident Langdon’s best footy is still ahead of him, and the new Eagle believes he can add value as a midfield pinch-hitter as he pushes his case to play in coach Adam Simpson’s line-up.
“There was a few reasons why I chose West Coast. From the outside looking in they’re a great club, and I spoke to my manager Colin (Young) earlier in the year and he seemed to think it would be a great fit for myself,” Langdon said.
“I know they’ve got a good role there that I could fit into.
“I probably see my future playing footy at a club like that where my skill and my assets I can bring will complement the team, and just helping myself to take my footy to the next level as well.”
As well as the opportunity to return to WA – Langdon hails from West Coast legend Dean Cox’s hometown Dampier and they are family friends – there were several factors for the soon-to-be 25-year-old to consider before a trade was struck.
Shortly before he was drafted in 2017, Langdon’s now fiancée Eli was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, turning their world upside down.
She refused to let her battle impact Langdon’s dream to play in the AFL, encouraging him to pursue his career while she remained in Perth to undergo chemotherapy treatment before joining him in Sydney.
In wonderful news, she defeated the illness in the lead-up to Langdon’s debut in 2018 and has been in remission since.
Having settled themselves on the opposite side of the country, the young couple carefully considered their options before deciding to return home, closer to support networks in WA while Langdon pursues his career as an Eagle.
“We thought long and hard about the decision,” Langdon said.
“She obviously still requires scans and doctors appointments every few months so I want to be there for her going through that.
“I’m really thankful that the club is allowing me to come home and do that.
“I think it’s going to be the best thing for myself and for Eli as well.”
