Langdon relishing new role

By Dan Scamozzi

Zac Langdon had more inside 50s (eight) than any other player in Claremont’s 59-point win against Perth in round three, and after bulking up over the off-season, is enjoying spending more time in the midfield.

Langdon played 11 League games in 2016 but knew he had more to offer after playing in the Reserves’ premiership.

“I think with a big off-season, my goal was to push more into the midfield, and with the coaches we’ve got now, they’re allowing that and happy for me to play in the midfield,” Langdon told 91.3 Sport FM’s WAFL World.

Langdon has rewarded the faith shown in him by Claremont’s new coaching group, led by senior coach Darren Harris.

“Harro (Darren Harris) is just such a down-to-earth bloke and coach who you really want to play for,” Langdon said.

“In terms of structures and everything like that, we’ve changed it up a bit, but I think just him and the board he’s brought across with him…it’s just a good culture around the club right now.”

Now in his second season, the Dampier Sharks recruit also paid tribute to the club.

“I couldn’t think of a better club to come to, to be honest,” Langdon said.

“Claremont’s just a really good place to be, (with a) really good vibe, all the fellas are really down to earth and just welcomed me in from the get-go, so (I’m) loving it.”

Claremont travelled to Lathlain Park in round three for the second year in a row following a bye in round two, but this time, it was a different result than the 17-point loss in 2016.

“I think last year it got the better of us, coming off the bye, and we went down to Perth,” Langdon said.

“We had a little talk about it - just the mental side of it - I think it can get to you. We know we’re capable of playing good footy this year, so we just stuck to our guns and went out there and played our brand of footy.”

Langdon was one of nine Claremont goal kickers in the win against Perth, and praised the performance of Jack Richardson, who kicked a career-high five goals.

“Jack, he’s a gun when he’s up and about,” Langdon said.

“I think a lot of players thrive on confidence and he’s definitely one. When he’s up and about, he’s as good as anyone. It’s really good to see him playing well and I’m sure he’s going to continue that on.”

A best-on-ground performance from Alex Manuel, in just his ninth League game, was another highlight, with the hard-working Tiger also kicking a career-high five goals.

“He’s a pretty talented kid,” Langdon said.

“Same as Richo, when he gets up and about, there’s no stopping him. He showed on the weekend what he can do and I’m sure you’ll see more of that throughout the year from him.”

Langdon is enjoying playing alongside and roving to ruckman Mitch Andrews, who won 47 hit outs on the weekend and gave Claremont’s midfield first use of the football.

“Big Mitchy, he’s a player that makes you look a lot better than you are, I think,” Langdon said.

“A ruckman like him, he can get it to any spot, and he’s awesome to play with.”

Next up for Claremont is an encounter with East Perth at Leederville Oval on Friday night, and Langdon and the team are looking forward to the challenge.

“A six-day turnaround’s not ideal but we’re getting ready to front up to East Perth. We’re looking forward to it,” Langdon said.