AFL Daily: Rolling footy news from across Australia for Friday, September 14, 2018
COLLINGWOOD defender Tom Langdon will line up in Saturday night’s semi-final without a contract for next season although club and player are working closely to get a deal done. RECAP ALL THE DAY'S NEWS
COLLINGWOOD defender Tom Langdon will line up in Saturday night’s semi-final without a contract for next season.
There is still a gap in negotiations between Langdon’s management and the Magpies with the stopper’s price soaring throughout his career-best season.
Rival clubs are closely monitoring the Langdon situation although both parties are working closely to get a deal done.
Collingwood’s spate of backline injuries has thrust Langdon into a key post this year where he has emerged as a reliable defender and rebounding weapon.
TRELOAR: I WANT TIGERS IN PRELIM
TEAMS: HAWKS, GIANTS COP INJURY BLOWS
Langdon, 24, has beaten Jake Stringer, Jack Ziebell, Eric Hipwood and All-Australian Robbie Gray in 2018.
While the attention at the Magpies has centred on out-of-contract swingman Darcy Moore, free agent Alex Fasolo and injury-cursed goalkicker Jamie Elliott, Langdon’s signature is yet to be secured.
The Magpies have also met with Gold Coast co-captain Steven May, who appears increasingly likely to join Tom Lynch in Victoria next season.
May, 26, is contracted for 2019 and would become a free agent if he stays at the Suns next year.
The Magpies’ first draft pick is likely to be around No.16 this year, which should go close to securing May.
Langdon is set to play on Greater Western Sydney’s September star Harry Himmelberg tonight and could also roll onto match-winner Toby Greene.
Himmelberg has kicked 6.3 from his past two finals and shapes as a major threat to Collingwood’s backline tonight.
It is unlikely the Magpies budgeted for Langdon’s price rise before the season.
Langdon signed his last contract — a three-year deal — after playing about 25 games in 2015.
The Sandringham Dragons product is set to meet brother Ed, who plays for Fremantle, in Tanzania after the finals to link up for their holiday around South America and Africa.
Updates
Who is AFL’s 10-week clubhouse leader?
We managed to squeeze in one round of the AFL season before the coronavirus crisis claimed the game until at least May 31. So who gets bragging rights throughout the break? Jon Anderson looks at every club.
AFL tips: Expert selections for Round 1
Need a little help with your footy tips? Even in these uncertain times, our experts have run the rule over the Round 1 AFL matches and come up with the teams they think will rule. Here’s who they have tipped.