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Tom Langdon
Tom Langdon
Tom Langdon
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Thomas Langdon (born 9 June 1994) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Key Information

State football

[edit]

Langdon played junior football with Prahran and with Glen Iris Gladiators, in the Yarra Junior Football League.[2][3] He nominated for the 2012 AFL draft, but wasn't selected.[3] The following season, he was named co-captain of the Sandringham Dragons.[4] In 2013, Langdon played six games in the Victorian Football League (VFL) with Sandringham and was named twice in the best.[5][6]

AFL career

[edit]

He was recruited by the Collingwood Football Club with the 65th overall selection in the 2013 AFL draft.[7] He featured in all three senior pre-season games, averaging 15 disposals and 2.3 rebound 50s a game,[6] followed by making his debut in the opening round of the 2014 season, against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium,[8] where he was named as one of the best players despite the 70 point loss, tallying 24 disposals.[9] In the seventh round, Langdon was selected as an AFL Rising Star nominee, following a best on ground performance in Collingwood's 34 point over old rivals Carlton when he collected 23 disposals.[10] After the season, Langdon won the Harry Collier Trophy as Collingwood's Best First Year Player.[11] He was also selected for the 22 Under 22 team,[12] a feat he repeated in 2015.[13] At the end of the 2018 season, both Sydney and Fremantle showed interest in Langdon, hoping to sign him,[14] but in the end he signed a three-year contract extension with Collingwood.[15] In the ninth round of the 2019 season, Langdon injured his knee halfway through Collingwood's 41 point win over St Kilda,[16] Nine weeks later, after trying to rehabilitate, he underwent knee surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the season.[17] A timeframe for his return wasn't determined by the pre-season of the 2020 season,[1] and Langdon considered retirement.[18] After not playing any games during the 2020 season Langdon announced his retirement at the end of November.[19]

Playing style

[edit]

Langdon could play as a defender or as a midfielder. He had a significant advantage when the ball was in the air due to his balance, game sense, and being able to read the ball in flight. He also had the ability to mark strongly overhead and was a fluent kick.[6]

Personal life

[edit]

Langdon's younger brother, Ed Langdon, plays for Melbourne.[20] Before being drafted to Collingwood, Langdon barracked for Richmond.[2] In 2013, Langdon started studying business arts at Monash University.[5] He is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University.[21]

Statistics

[edit]
Statistics are correct to the end of the 2020 season[22]
Legend
  G  
 Goals
  K  
 Kicks
  D  
 Disposals 
  T  
 Tackles
  B  
 Behinds 
  H  
 Handballs 
  M  
 Marks
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game)
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2014 Collingwood 41 19 0 2 192 123 315 107 47 0 0.1 10.1 6.5 16.6 5.6 2.5
2015 Collingwood 8 22 0 5 248 213 461 110 70 0 0.2 11.3 9.7 21.0 5.0 3.2
2016 Collingwood 8 5 2 1 49 47 96 16 13 0.4 0.2 9.8 9.4 19.2 3.2 2.6
2017 Collingwood 8 11 0 1 99 111 210 62 28 0 0.1 9.0 10.1 19.1 5.6 2.5
2018 Collingwood 8 23 1 1 229 229 458 130 58 0.04 0.04 10.0 10.0 19.9 5.7 2.5
2019 Collingwood 8 9 0 1 70 91 161 45 18 0 0.1 7.8 10.1 17.9 5.0 2.0
2020 Collingwood 8 0 — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Career 89 3 11 887 814 1701 470 234 0.03 0.1 10.0 9.2 19.1 5.3 2.6

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tom Langdon

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomas Langdon (born 9 June 1994) is an Australian former professional Australian rules footballer who played as a defender for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Langdon was recruited by Collingwood with the 65th selection in the 2013 AFL National Draft from the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup. He made his AFL debut in Round 1 of the 2014 season against Fremantle, going on to play 89 games and kick 3 goals over six seasons, primarily as a versatile and intercepting defender who often took on key opposition forwards. In his debut year, Langdon earned the club's Harry Collier Trophy as the best first-year player, received a nomination for the AFL Rising Star award in Round 7 after a best-on-ground performance against Carlton (23 disposals, 8 marks), and was selected in the AFL's 22 Under 22 team. Langdon repeated his selection in the in 2015 and became a key part of Collingwood's backline, rejecting offers from clubs like the and to extend his contract through to 2021. He played a standout role in the 2018 season, contributing to Collingwood's run to the Grand Final, where he recorded 23 disposals and tied for fourth in voting despite the five-point loss to West Coast. However, a serious sustained in Round 9 of 2019 sidelined him for the remainder of that year and all of 2020, leading to his retirement on 29 November 2020 at age 26, with one year remaining on his contract.

Early life and junior career

Early life and family

Thomas Langdon was born on 9 June 1994 in , Victoria, . He grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Glen Iris, where he was exposed to through the local community from a young age. Langdon's family provided a supportive environment, though his parents, Chris and Belinda Langdon, were not initially passionate about the sport. He has an older sister, Olivia, who pursued a career in art and showed little interest in football, and a younger brother, , who shared his enthusiasm for the game and later became an AFL player. Langdon's early interest in football was nurtured through participation in local clubs, beginning with the Prahran Junior Football Club, where he played for several seasons. Despite not being the standout performer on his teams, this community involvement fostered his passion and set the stage for his development in the sport.

Junior football

Tom Langdon began his organized football journey in Melbourne's suburban leagues, playing with the Junior Football Club and the Glen Iris Gladiators in the Yarra Junior Football League during his under-age years. These clubs provided his initial competitive exposure, where he honed fundamental skills in local competitions focused on youth development. As a versatile athlete, Langdon demonstrated adaptability across positions, including midfield and defensive roles, which marked his early potential despite his youth. His performances in these junior setups drew initial interest, leading to a nomination for the 2012 AFL National Draft at age 18. However, he was not selected. This setback prompted focused training and skill refinement to prepare for higher-level competition. Following the 2012 draft, Langdon continued developing through intensive off-season programs, transitioning toward more structured environments that bridged junior and state-level play. His family's encouragement supported this progression during his formative years. By 2013, these efforts had enhanced his physical presence and game sense, setting the stage for further opportunities.

State football career

Tom Langdon joined the in the TAC Cup as a bottom-age player in 2012, marking his entry into elite under-18 representative football after progressing from local junior ranks. During the 2012 season, he developed his skills as a versatile defender capable of contributing in the midfield. His performances earned him selection in the Vic Metro under-18 team, highlighting his potential in intercepting and rebounding from defense. In 2013, Langdon returned as a top-age player and was appointed co-captain alongside Max Hayes, recognized for his strong leadership qualities within the team. He played nine TAC Cup games that season, averaging 18.4 kicks, 9.1 handballs, and 6.7 marks per game, while kicking five goals overall. These statistics underscored his growing influence off half-back, where he demonstrated improved ball-winning and distribution. Langdon's standout contributions included scoring a goal in the Dragons' round one victory over the North Ballarat , helping secure a 26-point win. Dragons Ryan O'Connor praised his development, noting Langdon's versatility in transitioning between defensive and midfield roles, along with his determination after going undrafted the previous year, which fueled his leadership and on-field impact. This period solidified his reputation as a reliable and adaptable performer in the competitive under-18 setup.

VFL appearances

In 2013, Tom Langdon made his senior debut in the (VFL) with the Sandringham Zebras, playing a total of six games during the season. These appearances provided Langdon with crucial exposure to professional-level competition as a 19-year-old over-ager from the TAC Cup. Averaging 9.3 kicks, 7.0 handballs, and 4.0 marks per game without scoring any goals, he demonstrated solid ball-winning ability in a defensive role. Langdon was particularly standout in two of those matches, where he was named among Sandringham's best players for his contributions. As an emerging medium defender, he adapted effectively to the increased physicality and pace of VFL football, leveraging his aerial strength and fluent right-footed kicking to read the play and deliver targeted possessions. This transition from junior levels showcased his game sense and balance under pressure, marking a significant step in his development. His VFL outings proved instrumental in elevating Langdon's draft prospects for the 2013 AFL National Draft, as recruiters noted his readiness for senior AFL demands through consistent performances against mature athletes. These games complemented his TAC Cup form, positioning him as a reliable defender with potential for immediate impact at the elite level.

AFL career

Draft selection and debut

Langdon was selected by the with pick 65 in the 2013 AFL National Draft, following a strong season with the in the TAC Cup. Upon joining Collingwood, Langdon participated in the club's pre-season training program starting in late , where he quickly adapted to the professional environment and impressed with his athleticism and endurance. He featured in all three senior pre-season matches in early 2014, averaging 15 disposals per game and demonstrating his potential across multiple positions. Langdon earned selection for his AFL debut on 14 March 2014 against at Etihad Stadium, where he played primarily as a half-back flanker in Collingwood's loss. In the game, he recorded 24 disposals, including 20 kicks and 4 handballs, while contributing 5 marks and showing strong ball-winning ability. Coaches and media praised Langdon's debut for highlighting his versatility, with Collingwood's noting his balanced skill set and ability to read the play effectively in both defensive and midfield roles. His performance was described as one of the strongest by a Collingwood debutant in recent years, establishing him as a promising addition to the team's backline.

Breakthrough seasons (2014–2015)

In 2014, Langdon established himself as a reliable member of Collingwood's backline during his debut season, playing 19 games and averaging 16.6 disposals per match. As a 19-year-old defender, he contributed to the team's defensive structure by providing rebounding runs from the half-back flank, with notable performances including 22 disposals and seven marks in the clash against Essendon in Round 6. His consistency earned media praise as one of the league's promising young defenders, highlighted by his strong showing of 23 disposals against Carlton in Round 7. Building on his rookie year, Langdon took on greater responsibility in , appearing in 22 games and elevating his output to an average of 20.9 disposals per game while maintaining a defensive focus. He solidified his role as a hard-running defender in Collingwood's inexperienced backline, often tasked with shutting down opposition forwards and initiating play from defense, as seen in his season-high 28 disposals against Carlton in Round 3. Team officials recognized his growing leadership and reliability, noting his vocal presence and ability to handle key defensive duties amid the club's rebuilding phase. Over these two breakthrough seasons, Langdon amassed 41 games with averages of approximately 18.9 disposals, 5.3 marks, and 2.9 tackles per game, demonstrating his rapid development into a consistent performer for Collingwood. His emergence was lauded in media reports for providing stability to a young defense, with outlets emphasizing his poise and work rate as key factors in his quick rise.

Later career and challenges (2016–2020)

In 2016 and 2017, Langdon continued to develop as a reliable defender for Collingwood, playing 5 games in 2016 with averages of 19.2 disposals and 3.2 marks per game, and 11 games in 2017 where he averaged 19.1 disposals and 5.6 marks. His role solidified as part of the backline during Collingwood's rebuilding phase, contributing to defensive stability amid the team's push toward contention. By 2018, Langdon achieved a career-high 23 games, including four finals, averaging 19.9 disposals and 5.7 marks, while helping anchor the defense during Collingwood's surge to the Grand Final, where he earned praise for his fearless performances against key forwards. That season's success led to a three-year contract extension in October 2018, committing Langdon to the club until the end of 2021 despite interest from rivals like and . As an undersized key defender at 190 cm, he adapted to more accountable matchups in an inexperienced backline, becoming a vocal leader and intercepting opposition plays effectively during campaign. Langdon's 2019 season was disrupted by a sustained in round nine, limiting him to 9 with averages of 17.9 disposals and 5.0 , though he demonstrated resilience in his contested possessions and marking efficiency before requiring surgery. The flared into chronic cartilage damage, sidelining him for the remainder of 2019 and all of 2020, as rehabilitation efforts failed to restore full training loads amid ongoing inflammation. These challenges tested his adaptability in a backline further strained by injuries to other defenders, yet his earlier contributions underscored his value to Collingwood's defensive structure.

Retirement

Langdon suffered a major knee during Collingwood's round nine match in 2019, which led to chronic cartilage damage and ongoing that prevented his return to competitive play. Despite extensive rehabilitation efforts throughout 2020, including participation in some intra-club scratch matches, he was unable to overcome the degenerative condition, resulting in his delisting from the Collingwood list at the end of the season. On November 29, 2020, Langdon officially announced his from the AFL, with one year remaining on his contract, after 18 months of battling the injury. In reflecting on the decision, he described it as a "hard reality" to accept, noting the emotional challenge of considering at age 26 but expressing gratitude for the club's unwavering support during his recovery attempts. Collingwood's of football, Geoff Walsh, praised Langdon's resilience, calling his story a "cruel football tale" and highlighting his dedication to pushing through pain in hopes of a comeback. Over seven seasons with Collingwood, from his debut in 2014 to his final appearance in 2019, Langdon played 89 AFL games and kicked 3 goals.

Playing style and achievements

Playing style

Tom Langdon was a versatile defender and midfielder throughout his AFL career with Collingwood, capable of fulfilling multiple key positions in the backline and occasionally through the midfield. His ability to adapt to various roles made him a valuable asset, particularly during periods of to other defenders, where he could shift between intercepting from half-back to locking down taller forwards. Langdon's strengths lay in his strong overhead marking and fluent kicking on his preferred right foot, which allowed for precise and effective ball distribution from defense. He demonstrated excellent game reading, balance, and decision-making, often positioning himself advantageously to intercept or read the flight of the ball, contributing to smart, targeted disposals that supported Collingwood's rebounding structure. As an undersized key defender at 190 cm, Langdon faced adaptation challenges against physically imposing opponents, requiring him to rely on positioning and aerial contests rather than sheer . Over time, he evolved from a rebounding half-back in his early seasons, focusing on accumulation and short-range passing, to a more vocal and assertive leader in the backline by 2018–2020, organizing an inexperienced group during a defensive casualty ward.

Awards and honors

Langdon earned a nomination for the award in round 7 of the 2014 season after a best-on-ground performance in Collingwood's 34-point victory over Carlton, where he recorded 23 disposals, eight marks, and four rebound-50s. That year, he also won Collingwood's Harry Collier Trophy as the best first-year player, recognizing his debut season of 19 games and strong defensive contributions. Additionally, Langdon was selected in the for 2014, highlighting his emergence as one of the league's top young defenders. In 2015, Langdon repeated his selection in the AFL Players' Association's 22 Under 22 team, following a full season of 22 games where he averaged 20 disposals and solidified his role in Collingwood's backline. Prior to his AFL career, Langdon served as co-captain of the in the TAC Cup during the 2013 season, demonstrating leadership as an over-age player after going undrafted the previous year. Langdon featured in Collingwood's team, delivering one of his career-best performances with 23 disposals, seven marks, and five intercepts in the five-point loss to West Coast, earning fourth place (tied) in voting.

Personal life

Education

Langdon enrolled in a Bachelor of Business and Arts at in 2013, shortly before being drafted by Collingwood in the AFL. This timing required him to balance rigorous academic commitments with the demands of pre-season training and his impending professional football debut in 2014, a challenge he navigated by prioritizing flexible study options alongside his athletic schedule. During his AFL career, Langdon transitioned his studies to a at , where he pursued the degree for at least six years starting around 2013. He briefly attempted to incorporate law studies but discontinued them due to the intense scheduling conflicts with football training, games, and recovery, highlighting the broader difficulties of maintaining as a full-time . Deakin's support for elite athletes facilitated this ongoing enrollment, allowing him to continue coursework even as injuries impacted his playing time in later years. Following his retirement from the AFL in November 2020 due to a chronic knee injury, Langdon persisted with his at Deakin. As of 2024, he was pursuing the degree through Deakin's elite athlete program.

Family and post-retirement

Tom Langdon shares a close bond with his younger brother, , who has established a successful AFL career as a speedy wingman for the Demons. Ed was drafted by in 2014 and played 63 games for the Dockers before being traded to at the end of 2019, where he has since become a key contributor, including playing a pivotal role in the Demons' 2021 premiership victory. The brothers' shared football legacy stems from their family's longstanding involvement in the sport, with Tom serving as an early inspiration for Ed, who credits his sibling for motivating him to pursue an AFL pathway. Their relationship extends beyond the field, marked by mutual support and collaboration in business ventures. Langdon has often emphasized themes of and in reflecting on his life and career. In interviews, he has highlighted the importance of respect and appreciation for support networks, stating that one of the key lessons from his was "the need to be a respectful and caring person." He expressed for the guidance from coaches and staff who helped nurture his talent, noting, "I try to think about how lucky I am to be doing what I do in every single game." Outside of football, Langdon demonstrated these values through coaching junior boys' teams at his , Melbourne Grammar School, from 2013 to 2017, an experience he described as "really enjoyable" and a meaningful way to give back to the community. Following his retirement in 2020 due to a degenerative injury, Langdon pivoted toward education and entrepreneurial pursuits. He continued his studies at , which he had begun while playing, focusing on commerce as a pathway beyond football. In 2021, he co-founded Lay Day Coffee, a premium brand, with his brother Ed, drawing on their family's history in the food and coffee industry; the business launched with dark and light roast options and has been managed remotely through daily collaboration despite geographical distances. Langdon relocated to Vogtsburg, , where he works at a food company, embracing a new lifestyle that includes enjoying local beers and maintaining an optimistic outlook on life post-AFL. Langdon's reflections on underscore a sense of contentment and forward momentum, as he has stated he does not miss the game and finds fulfillment in mentoring others, including his brother. In 2024, he returned to Collingwood to deliver a special presentation to new draftee ahead of his debut, sharing insights from his playing days in a motivational capacity. This involvement highlights his ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of players, aligning with his expressed values of humility and community contribution.

References

  1. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/T/Tom_Langdon.html
  2. https://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/news/713120/who-is-tom-langdon
  3. https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/list-by-award/best-first-year-player-harry-collier-trophy/?season=2014
  4. https://www.afl.com.au/news/44264/collingwoods-tom-langdon-wins-round-seven-nab-afl-rising-star-nomination
  5. https://www.aflplayers.com.au/news-feed/stories/qa-with-rising-star-tom-langdon
  6. https://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/news/838993/langdon-retires
  7. https://www.zerohanger.com/star-turns-role-players-who-stood-up-in-afl-grand-finals-168939/
  8. https://www.afl.com.au/news/526057/knee-injury-forces-pie-to-retire-as-footy-boss-calls-it-quits
  9. http://www.draftguru.com.au/players/tom_langdon/1
  10. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/news/tom-and-ed-langdon-on-seeing-the-world-together-and-living-the-dream-as-afl-footballers/news-story/951a84dd9d6d752f0e7ee0097985e0f8
  11. https://prahranfootballclub.com.au/blogs/news/tom-langdon-round-7-rising-star
  12. https://prahranfootballclub.com.au/pages/prahran-junior-football-club
  13. https://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/news/70069/langdon-named-rising-star
  14. https://www.afl.com.au/news/538294/defenders-named
  15. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/2013/08/16/2013-draft-profile-tom-langdon/
  16. https://www.afl.com.au/news/73327/2013-draft-prospect-tom-langdon
  17. https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/tac-cup-2013.994862/page-6
  18. https://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/news/714378/eight-new-faces-to-tackle-cats
  19. https://thebench.com.au/code/afl/players/cw/tom-langdon
  20. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2014/040820140314.html
  21. https://www.afl.com.au/news/442978/club-by-club-the-best-debutants-of-season-2014
  22. https://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/news/710119/how-langdons-debut-stacks-up
  23. https://www.aflmstats.com/game/2014-6-col-ess
  24. https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pc-collingwood-magpies--tom-langdon
  25. https://www.aflplayers.com.au/news-feed/stories/your-clubs-most-courageous-player
  26. https://www.afl.com.au/news/120717/your-clubs-ratings-stars-for-2014
  27. https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/Tom-Langdon
  28. https://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/230/Tom-Langdon
  29. https://www.afl.com.au/news/381465/retirement-is-an-option-pie-defenders-injury-crisis
  30. https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/tom-langdon-came-to-terms-with-the-hard-reality-of-retirement-but-hes-not-giving-up-c-730773
  31. https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/the-awards-harry-collier-trophy/
  32. https://www.aflplayers.com.au/news-feed/stories/22under22-team-announced
  33. https://www.afl.com.au/news/200442/fyfe-goes-back-to-back-as-the-aflpas-most-valuable-player
  34. https://www.afl.com.au/news/60254/marsh-langdon-play-the-name-game
  35. https://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/news/253619/feature-langdon-rapt-he-stayed-a-pie
  36. https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/student-life-and-services/get-involved/elite-athlete-program-profiles
  37. https://mgs.vic.edu.au/community/news-and-events/latest-news/humility-and-gratitude-sport
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