AFL Draft: Richmond supporter Harvey Langford on handling pressure of being potential No. 1 pick

He grew up a Tiger fan and idolised Dustin Martin. So it’s little wonder Harvey Langford loves the idea of being a Richmond player. Could he be pick No.1? See profiles of the contenders here.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 13: Harvey Langford of the AFL Academy in action during the 2024 AFL Academy match between the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys and Coburg Lions at Ikon Park on April 13, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Potential No. 1 selection Harvey Langford says it would be a “dream” to join Richmond as the countdown to November’s AFL national draft ramps up.

Langford was at the MCG for the first day of the national draft combine on Friday, meeting clubs and completing physical testing.

The Dandenong Stingrays product grew up a Tigers fan, idolising recently-retired superstar Dustin Martin.

A 190cm big-bodied midfielder, Langford also made a VFL debut for Richmond in August.

“Anywhere I go will be a dream,” Langford said.

“But obviously going for Richmond, (that) would be amazing.”

No. 1 fancy Harvey Langford says playing for Richmond would be “amazing”.

Harvey Langford starred for Vic Country.

Langford said he would not be phased about carrying the No. 1 draftee tag if that was to eventuate. Richmond holds that prized selection.

“To think that there is a possibility for No. 1 (is) pretty amazing. I guess we’ll just see how it all pans out,” he said.

“Obviously there will be heaps of pressure coming into next year, but I think I’ll be able to handle it pretty well. I’ve got heaps of support around me, so that will help out heaps.”

Langford was a joint winner of the Larke Medal as the best player of the under-18 national championships while playing for Vic County earlier this year.

Langford models his game on Marcus Bontempelli.

The 18-year-old averaged 25.5 disposals and 6.3 clearances per match during the tournament and models his game on Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli.

“He’s obviously a bit bigger midfielder,” Langford said.

“(I like) how he’s able to go down forward and impact on the scoreboard and in the air. It’s something that I try to do.”

This year’s national draft combine has brought together 65 top draft prospects from around the country, but many are not completing testing due to injury issues.

Brisbane Lions father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft is one of those sidelined as he recovers from post-season shoulder surgery, days after his older brother, Will, won the Norm Smith Medal in the Lions’ grand final victory.

Originally published as AFL Draft: Richmond supporter Harvey Langford on handling pressure of being potential No. 1 pick