He was initially contracted to 2026 (and would be eligible for FA)… extended to 2027 so can only assume it’s a ‘club-first’ move to help open up/smooth the salary cap somewhere along the line.
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That would be my thinking.
The additional year may just have been a means (or a thank you) to restructure pay across his entire contract.
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Reads to me that they re-did his contract with a pay rise based on his performance.
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Has history not taught the club anything?
How many players have had breakout years only to either drop form or get a long term injury?
It wasn’t a breakout year, Longford has been good player for a fair while, just in different positions. He is being fairly rewarded and this also helps reduce FA carryon from the media.
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It was 100% a breakout year.
He had been serviceable prior to last year.
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30 mins away for an announcement for a shoulder injury. (yeah i know i shouldn’t have but it’s funny to see if it actually happens)
How on earth wasnt it a breakout year? He had been average, at best, before that, and turned himself into one of the best forwards in the comp.
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Thats good to add another year to a key piece of the side.
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Hopefully it’s a forwards contract. With a functional kpf or 2 he will be a 50+ goal kicker
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He broke out in 2021 on the wing IMO.
Then injured 2022.
But went to another level last year as a forward.
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I don’t agree that he broke out. He played well, but he still hasn’t cemented his position. Nor was he particularly influential on games. Nobody outside Essendon fans would have known he existed.
He 100% broke out last year. Just Like 2MP the year before that.
Langford extends until 2027
Breakout forward adds another year.
By essendonfc.com.au
20 hrs ago
Forward Kyle Langford has signed a one-year contract extension to see him through with the Bombers until at least the end of 2027.
Langford joins, Xavier Duursma, Nic Martin, Peter Wright, Mason Redman, Ben McKay, Darcy Parish and Captain Zach Merrett in committing to Essendon until at least the end of 2027.
Having initially signed a four-year deal in mid-2022, Langford is excited to further commit to the red and black.
“I’ve loved my past nine seasons at the Bombers, and I’m excited to have extended my contract to stay at the club until the end of 2027,” Langford said.
“I strongly align with the vision that Brad and the coaches have for the team and the potential of this playing group. We are all committed to working together and pushing one another to become the best athletes and teammates to achieve ultimate success.
“I’m excited for the next four years at Essendon and seeing where this group can go.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 13: Kyle Langford of the Bombers poses for a photograph during the Essendon Bombers 2024 Official Team Photo Day at the NEC Hangar on February 13, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)
Entering his 10th AFL season, the 130-gamer has established himself as a focal point of the Bombers’ forward line with his aggressive leading patterns and pinpoint accuracy in front of goal.
Langford certified himself as a regular starter as far back as the 2018 season, floating between midfield and high forward roles to best utilise his elite aerobic capacity and versatile size.
Initially poised to float between defensive and midfield duties in 2023, an injury to Peter Wright on the eve of the season saw Langford thrown into a makeshift key forward role to stellar effect, eventually booting 51 goals and dishing off 20 direct goal assists in a breakthrough year.
07:36
Jan 22 2024
Media conference | Kyle Langford
Forward Kyle Langford chats to the media after open training at the NEC Hangar.
Playing all 23 games last season, the 27-year-old was rewarded with a runner-up finish in the Crichton Medal and a spot in the All-Australian squad of 40, heralded as one of the competition’s biggest improvers.
General Manager of AFL Daniel McPherson said the club was thrilled to have Langford extend his commitment.
“Kyle is the ultimate team man, an important member of our playing group and is a key driver in setting the standards and expectations of the playing group – we are delighted that he has extended until the end of 2027,” McPherson said.
“He is a highly diligent and focused person who is determined to get the best out of himself and his teammates.
“Kyle is an outstanding ambassador for our club, and we look forward to seeing him continue to grow in the red and black over the coming years.”
The Bombers are set for their first practice match against the Saints at RSEA Park this Friday as they gear up for the 2024 season.
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Just watching Martin’s 23 highlights, the number of involvements Langford had was notable (and also, Martin really knows where the goals are). He’s the definition of ‘bringing the ball down’ forward but also follows up, is strong, clever and fit. Barring injury he won’t be a ‘breakout year followed by slump’ player. His build has been steady and while he’s found his spot he’ll be effective in so many roles if we need him to. Breakout year as a forward maybe, but steady and traditional progression for years, which is what we really want.
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Langford has been a lot better than “servicable”. A wing / HFF that played tall, he was/is a very hard match up & kicked plenty of goals. Its not his fault that his role kept him out of a focus position, that on the coaches. Has always executed his role well. Top 10 EFC player then & now … easily
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Langers is a very intelligent player these days. Watching him manoeuvre and lead as the ball comes in is that of a true and skilled natural forward. Kicks straight too. Langers finally found his home when backed in as a class forward. Last season with 2MP out, Stringer struggling, Jones out and Weid falling off a cliff, he was our lone forward… and didn’t he do well. Definitely held up his end of the bargain for us. Lucky Menzie helped out pretty well down there too.
I love it that he’s committed to the Bombers and how he just gets on with it. No major fuss with THE.
It could easily be a huge year for Kyle this one.
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Give him the Vice captain status take it off McGrath as he should playing VFL.
Langford is commanding of his teammates in a way that makes them better and he leads by example with his work rate.
Behind Merrett and Ridley is our third most
Important player on the list.
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I can’t believe the carry on, you’d think we signed Weiderman until 2027.
FMD.
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don’t even joke about it
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