Kyle Langford hopes a bad run of injuries is behind him as he eyes a key role in Essendon’s bid to climb the AFL ladder.
Limited to just nine games last year, Langford spent time in the offseason at a private facility in Qatar that specializes in elite sports medicine in a bid to end the injury curse.
Bombers’ Kyle Langford at work in the 2025 season.Balance: AFL images via Getty Images
It has had the expected impact so far, with the 29-year-old estimating he has completed 90-95 per cent of the pre-season program while working closely with new Bombers fitness staff Mat Inness and David Regan.
It leaves Langford in good shape – physically and mentally – ahead of Essendon’s season-opening clash with Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night.
“What you really want is to have that foundation at the start of the year so you’re not playing all the time,” Langford told AAP.
“I feel like my body, at least right now, is set up for a good year.
“The hamstring and quad were unfortunate … but I’m looking forward to this year and we have a really good plan.”
Langford, the club’s two-time leading goalscorer, is part of Essendon’s revamped leadership group, with former captain Zach Merrett stepping down after a failed move to the Hawks.
Langford has thrown his support behind new captain Andy McGrath, while backing Merrett to remain a key part of the Bombers’ midfield.
“He’s the ultimate professional in the way he goes about his work,” Langford said of the six-time Merrett Award winner.
“He’s been preparing in training well and he, out of everyone, just wants to go out there and play a really good game.”
Essendon managed just six wins last year and finished the season with almost a full squad on the injured list.
They relish the chance to reboot in 2026, starting with another new chapter in the decades-long rivalry with Hawthorn.
“It’s a great game to show the competition what we’ve been doing for the last three months,” Langford said.
“There’s going to be 90,000 plus people there, so we’re excited to get out there.
“The Hawks have already made a bit of a run and we intend to deal with them.”
The Bombers have selected three of last year’s players – Dyson Sharp, Max Kondogiannis and Huss El Achkar – to debut in their season opener.
Hawthorn, meanwhile, dropped Harry Morrison and Finn Maginness after their first-round loss to GWS, calling up Ned Reeves and Cam Mackenzie.
AAP
