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I was lucky enough to attend a function last week re the draft and the scouting report on the kid was exceptional. The club that was hosting the function had: O’Sullivan & Ashcroft grouped. Langford & Smith the next 2. Draper, Lalor & Lombard. Travaglia, Tauru, Lindsay & Kako They said Langford is the meanest player in the draft. Super competitive, good skills, great hands, very clean with the ball but by far the best quote was when they said he’d rip the arms off his opponent to get the footy back. Bit like Megatron ripping Jazz to pieces (awful film). They would’ve picked him at 2. Didn’t have a lot to say about Lindsay other than he was very evasive, highly skilled, deceptively tough and took ground when in possession.

Both Patrick Cripps and Marcus Bontempelli had similar 20m sprint time to Langford at their draft camp. He'll be fine.

I spoke to a recruiter this morning and they have said the Dees have done extremely well. They had Langford ranked number 2 on their list and they are a massive wrap for Lindsay. 💪💪💪

I don't see why being a Richmond supporter growing up is an issue. Trac grew up a Collingwood supporter and loves Melbourne.

Some in the Demon Army came across a feel good story about Harvey. Apparently he and Caleb Windsor grew up together and are close mates, their dads were mates playing for Knox for many years. So I'm sure he'll feel right at home at the club alongside Leb :)

A mature aged (turns 25 in March) 193cm muscled up assassin. Play him on Maynard on KB!

Holy [censored]! Literally played with and against Aidan the last couple of years! Albury lad who won a flag at Lavington Panthers alongside Shaun Mannagh. Good friends with Dan Turner and was a premiership player with Werribee this year. Typically brute country footballer.

Players need to focus on what they do well and not what they can’t do. Just because he doesn’t have 1 certain attribute doesn’t mean he can’t still be a gun

From what I've heard from a couple of people that have had a bit to do with him over the journey, is that this is entirely the case. Super serious bloke and people are reading way too much into his body language. At the end of the day we're dealing with an individual and people need to remember for all the predictive analysis one can do, there is still a significant amount of unpredictability and randomness involved with human interactions. I don't think Langford being selected by Melbourne is the causative reason for his on-stage disposition.

Harvey Langford on Grand Final Night 2021

A bit more history about AJ. He made the step up to the very strong Ovens and Murray League competition as a 20 year and in his first season and kicked 53 goals as a FF/CHF. That same year he won a premiership with Lavington. Before that, he played for Brock Burrum saints (breed them tough there) in the Hume Football League (where I played with and against him) and even as a teenager he dominated senior footy constantly kicking bags of goals each week. Whatever league he's gone too, hes stepped up and performed really well. I will say that this will be an incredible jump from his own perspective between VFL and AFL. The fitness work will come as a huge shock to him and it will take him some time to adjust, purely because he's raw in terms of elite pathway and it usually is with country bush footballers. I do wonder whether we could have just left him to the rookie list but maybe we wind that other clubs were going to snap him up? He's an incredibly hard worker though, and will certainly leave no stone unturned. He's overcome some hurdles with his injuries and to get to this position is credit to his credit. Great teammate mind you..type of guy that enjoys a scrag and always willing to stick up for teammates. Off for the field, he's just a typical country lad who enjoys a good time, but again, will adjust to being an elite professional footballer.

He's a serious weapon and will drive our engine room for years to come. He's adept inside, outside, defending and in the air. Ultra consistent and no-one can stop him. If they get their hands on him, he either just breaks through it or has the Clarry like ability to get hands free and fire the handball off. He's super fit too, had one of the best 2km times at the combine, so will be able to step in straight away. Pair him with Windsor, Rivers, Lindsey and our midfield is set for the next generation after Viney, Trac and Clarry wind down. Others like Tholstrup, Kozzie and McVee will also contribute there too. We've managed to draft these kids all while being in premiership contention. Huge tick for our recruitment and list management teams! Midfields win premierships, and we've rejuvenated ours nicely.

Well, I don’t know how to riak to this

AMW = Another Matty Whelan.

Like me.

It’s not a great sign that we drafted his replacement but if Salo gets through preseason I really hope he’s got more in him. If not I’d actually try to reinvent his role. I have so few doubts on Bowser. I reckon he was set for a big year before injury last year and early training reports are positive. With the shackles released on the game plan and a fit midfield he should show his smarts and skills.

Is the adjective "raking" ever used for a right footer?

Everyone looks great in a Dees jumper

Tom Morris reporting Levi has apparently ‘cleared out his locker’.

Played with him for an interleague game then against him where he was at Brock Burrum. Taught him everything....?

Busy at work so haven’t read all the posts, this may have already been mentioned. The last time we drafted the Larke medalist was 2014 in Petracca, Langford won it this year. The last time we drafted the Morrish Medalist was 2015 in Oliver, Lindsay won it this year.

That is a huge relief Harvey getting through to our Pick 5 is absolutely magnificent it must have been all the talk on Demonland but I was so invested in Langford it would have been a bit disappointing had we missed him. Also think that Xavier Lindsay complements Harvey as well as he is held in high regard by a couple of track watchers whose opinions I really rate. Great result for the club and will sleep well tonight.👍✅😁

Surprised at the negativity given JT’s record with speculative picks. Yee of little faith. The article about his journey highlights his perseverance in the face of significant injury. When clear of injury, he got fit and played 20 of his 21 games at vfl becoming a key to their premiership. Hard, tough kaarnnt from the country who seems quick(ish) and a natural forward. 193 cm so what… how tall is charlie curnow? He’s got long arms and sticky one grab hands on the highlights.

He's now a Melbourne player and I support him. You can't trust in Jason Taylor's belief in potential only when it suits you.

Werribee premiership player …forward/ruck ..very tough

What you lack in words you make up for with paragraphs

Who cares about how he looked on draft night? Dustin Martin hasn't smiled once in his life. Nerves, shyness, Ben Dixon being a total weirdo, all of the above. Very, very happy with this pick. Trac and Clarry will probably start winding down in 3-4 years just as Langford and Windsor are hitting their prime. Perfect.

Here's a chance for posters to use "laconic" properly! (see also adj. "reticent")

That’s ok. I think he was a Tiger supporter. All the kids would have their preferences so it would be understandable if he had an emotional connection to Richmond. Once he gets down to training with his teammates and coaches he will feel an immediate connection with the Dees. Don’t forget we had a horrendous year in regard to public scrutiny and running media commentary. The negative press has infected the footy world and pubic perception of the club. That’s why it is so important to have a successful year on and off the track.

Welcome aboard the Dee train Xavier. 2 skilled left footers in 1 night

A mature age (24 years), key forward/ruck from Werribee via Lavington in the Ovens & Murray League. Johnson is a 193cm athletic brute who imposes himself on the contest.

Cam Pederson Mach II

Well I’m sold

Ahh to think it could’ve been you Dazz 😆

For the love of god please stop pissing away list spots on undersized forward/rucks because they’re tough. It’s not 1985

Is Laura Kane previously from Play School?

Cal Twomey saying Melbourne passing in Andrews was expected and had been the communication with the family.

On the club's socials this morning they put up interviews with both boys. Harvey said he'd trained with Melbourne during the year, and was expecting to be drafted by Melbourne. He expressed he's excited about joining Melbourne, and that his favourite player to watch growing up was Petracca. I don't think we have much to worry about.

Lindsay looks to play a bit like Andrew Gaff, who was small and was good at everything (but not great at anything). He looks strongly left sided with his kicking, so I can see him being used mostly as a left winger.

Bingo!!! The best mids currently in the AFL come in all shapes and sizes. Butters and Daicos are different to Bont and Cripps. Each have their strengths and weaknesses. Bont probably gets caught with the ball more than any mid, but is arguably the best player in the comp. If Langford turns out to be a 20-30 goal a season mid due to his aerial ability, I couldn't care less how fast he can run a 20m sprint.

Watching his clips suggests there is no concern on his pace around stoppage. Doesn't look slow at all and moves through traffic really well. I think he's the full package. No wonder Adelaide were considering him, cld have been picked earlier.

Now the positives- Is ready to go straight away, He's one of the best contested marks in the draft this year. Leadership which I think we were a bit lacking in our younger group. Thumping left peg but often lowers his eyes-will be a better inside 50 kick than any of our current mids. Like a goal, stands up in big games. Has great versatility. Tom Sparrow will probably looking over his shoulder more than anyone but I see him starting more as a mobile half forward, similar role to Jeremy Cameron. Would also dovetail very well with Trac. If required could also cover for Fritter. As you can see I'm quite the fan. Welcome Harvey

He struggled adjusting to the pace against men early but he hits 4 inside 50 targets in a row in the back half of the clip. Not his fault Samson Ryan can't mark and Sam Davidson drops a soda.

Xavier Lindsay Captain of Gippsland Power won the B&F for Coates League couple that with Harvey Langford VC and Lark Medalist, we are indeed getting a couple of young elite players with leadership potential.

Some individual observations. Due to some of the drills being on the other side of the ground I didn't get to eyeball everyone for the whole session. JVR - Great set of hands. Gets into good position for one on one marking drills and uses his body well. Uses the ball well in general play. A bit more vocal every preseason. Judd McVee - just oozes class with ball in hand. Trains like he plays. Very professional. Kid is a gem. Windsor - Classy, evasive, fast Viney - First one on the track, last one to leave. Hard nut. Tackles hard. Hard to tackle. Leads by example. Doesn't need to be there yet. Wouldn't be anywhere else. Lever - obviously getting over a niggle. Not far off returning to full training once the full squad is back. Otherwise looks in good nick. Spargo - heard that they are being cautious with his return but doesn't look like it will be before Christmas but that is just a guess. Didn't do anything other than stationary warmup stuff with the footy. Not running at the moment. Oliver - Physically in much better condition than in the preseason last season. Has trimmed down. Looks to be in good spirits and doesn't appear to be in discomfort with ball in hand or with tackling which seemed to be a problem during the season this year. Looks to be back to some of his best work in gathering and dishing off the footy. Good signs. Laurie - like every preseason I barely notice him so there is nothing much I can report on at this stage. Bowey - the best user of the ball in the team at the moment. After a disappointing season with injury and form I am very bullish about Jake for season 2025. Jefferson - does appear to have filled out a little bit. Has a good pair of hands and uses the ball well. Can find the big sticks. Will be interesting to see what he can do this year. Could be anything. Howes - also seems to have filled out a little bit. Is currently in the rehab group with a little niggle but doesn't seem far off from returning to the main group. In previous sessions this preseason before rehab he was one of the standouts. Should return to the seniors this year. Rivers - Great to see him out on the track from day one with the 1st to 4th years. Future leader of the club. TMac - Also good to see TMac out with the rookies. First preseason I can remember that he is out on the park in boots. Still has more to give the club in what could be his last season. Looks fit and is moving well. Adams - Like others I often confuse him with Petty. The resemblance is uncanny. Not sure how close he is to a debut but spots in a defence are scarce and he is good depth to have. Hore - will not die wondering whether he gave it his all. Looks in good nick. Petty - has been training with the defenders but as I mused the other day I am not sure whether it is due to lack of senior defenders at this early stage of the preseason. We will get a better picture in the new year. Looks in good nick and is not rehabing. Was in a moon boot at this stage last season I think so it will be great for him to get a full preseason under his belt. Tholstrup - Very vocal, hard as nails. Looks like he is loving being out there. Good user of the footy. Looks like he will be wearing #12 this season. Woey & Brown - Like Laurie I didn't really notice either of them. Like what I see from both of them but I'm not overly bullish on either of them as more than depth. Happy to be very wrong. Turner - one of the standouts of this preseason for mine. Excellent pair of hands. Has definitely filled out. Attacks the ball with ferocity and uses it well. Looking forward to him taking his game to the next level. Kentfield - A big unit. Needs to work on his fitness but this is his first full preseason at the level. Will be a fixture at Casey so hopefully he hones his craft there. Is a long way off at the moment. AMW - Another stand out. Attacks the ball and the man fiercely. Tackles hard and rarely looses a one on one when the ball hits the deck. Should be a more permanent fixture in the ones this season.

He's ready to go this lad. Harvey and Xavier make us stronger instantly. Can't go wrong with these 2 fella.

Mate who played with him at gatha said "He’s a gun. Very smart footballer, great skills and pace, on the slighter side might take a couple years to come on fully"