When around the footy club and interacting with his teammates, you’ll be hard pressed to see anything but a smile on Ed Langdon’s face.
The 22-year-old’s sunny outlook off the field is paying dividends on the field, with the midfielder emerging as one of Freo’s most exciting up-and-coming players in 2018.
This season the speedy Langdon ranks in the top five at Fremantle for disposals and score involvements, is third for metres gained and trails only Nat Fyfe for inside 50s.
“I’ve had a great time and I’m having a lot of fun this year,” Langdon said.
“I’ve felt really clear on the role I’ve played for the team and been happy that I’ve been able to play that role.
“Footy’s certainly a lot more enjoyable when you’re winning games so it’s been a good year so far.”
Langdon’s emergence has minimised the loss felt from Bradley Hill’s knee injury, with the 2017 Doig Medallist not playing since round two.
Fellow wingman Stephen Hill has also missed five of 13 games so far this season, adding even more importance to Langdon’s efforts.
Stephen Hill and Langdon are likely to team up in Sunday's clash with Brisbane at Optus Stadium with Bradley set to retun the following week against Melbourne.
Be there to see Freo take on the Lions! Buy your tickets here
“It certainly was a huge loss having the Hill brothers out,” Langdon said.
“They’re both incredible players. Bradley came off a terrific year last year so whatever I can do to fill that void of the Hills, I was happy to do.
“We had Stephen back for the Carlton game and Bradley’s not too far off. There’s a few players lining up to play after the bye and it’s really exciting.
“If we can keep them progressing along in their rehab and get a few of them back before the season ends, it could be a pretty exciting last few weeks.”
A part of Langdon’s drive this season has come from a frustrating 2017, where he sat out the second half of the season with a knee injury.
“I hurt my knee and then tried to play with it for five weeks and that didn’t go so well so I ended up going under the knife,” Langdon said.
“It’s not great watching footy when you could be out there helping the team but I moved beyond that and I’ve been pretty fortunate this year with my injuries. I’ve been feeling pretty good.
“Everyone goes through their injuries in a different way. I had a lot of great people to lean on when I was injured. Alex Pearce was coming off two broken legs, so he was someone who I spoke to a fair bit about the mental strain of injuries and he certainly helped.”
While Langdon’s natural smile is a common feature around the club, there’s another sight he is becoming known for on the field – running down the wing, ball in hand and tongue out.
“I’ve always done it since I can remember,” Langdon said about playing with his tongue out.
“To be honest I didn’t even know I was doing it until I saw the photos. I don’t know why.”
