IN 2025, footy fans were introduced to Harvey Langford – a plucky 18-year-old who seemed unfazed by his step up to the AFL world, embracing challenges and shining on the MCG stage.

Langford first arrived at the Dees via pick No.6 at the 2024 National Draft, following a dominant U18 campaign where he was named the Dandenong Stingrays’ best and fairest and received the Larke Medal for best player in the National Championship.

Throughout his first AFL pre-season, there were glimpses of gold on the training track, the new Demon showing that he could match it with some of the top competitors in the league.

While there was no pressure internally on the young Demon, a cloud of hope from the Dees fanbase surrounded him heading into Round 1. Was he the next star of this footy club?

He debuted in the side’s season-opener, was omitted in Round 2, but returned to the team in Round 3, taking the opportunity to stamp his name in the minds of Melbourne and AFL fans alike.

His performance against Gold Coast was well beyond his years – 26 disposals, six clearances, 10 score involvements and a goal. It earned league-wide recognition, nominated for the Rising Star Award.

This Round 3 display was the beginning of what was a memorable first year of AFL - averaging 18 disposals and kicking a total of 14 goals across 22 senior games.

Now, Langford is preparing for his second season in the red and blue, and with even higher expectations than when he first started 12 months ago.

“To be completely honest, I don't feel a whole lot of pressure,” Langford told Melbourne Media.

“Early days, in maybe my first two or three games, I had some nerves, but since then, I haven't had any.

“I just try and block out noise from outside of the four walls of the club.”

At the conclusion of the 2025 season, Langford was named the club’s Best Young Player and finished 9th on the best and fairest leaderboard.

“It's just been a really exciting 12 months,” Langford said.

“Coming in to the club, I didn’t expect to do too much or even play games.

“I'm definitely proud of myself with how I finished the year and that I got to play in 22 games.

“Playing in a couple of different positions was challenging, I hadn’t played much wing in my juniors, so it was definitely good to get the opportunity to learn a new role. I had lots of help from the coaches and the experienced boys around me.

Melbourne is heading into its fresh era in 2026, with a new senior coach in Steven King and several changes to its playing list.

With a number of those changes affecting the midfield, a shake-up through the centre of the ground may be on the horizon, with Langford energised by the new opportunities.

“It’s been really positive,” Langford said on the midfield changes.

“It’s obviously a bit sad to see a couple boys leave, they helped me a lot last year, but the new names at the club like [Jack Steele] have been really good so far.

“I’m enjoying having some more minutes in the midfield this pre-season…a few of the young players are rolling through and it’s an exciting opportunity for me, Caleb and all those boys to show what we can do.

“Coming into more midfield minutes, I’m really focusing on my contest work and my running capacity. As a midfield, I think we want a midfielder that can run both ways, especially defensively.”

King, who’s now two months into his role as senior coach, has made it clear to the playing group that 2026 is a clean slate, there’s no guarantee on the Round 1 side.

This premise has created an excited competitiveness within the team, allowing for a new dynamic heading into the start of the fixture.

“Kingy’s been great so far, he's really relaxed and knows the game really well and the game plan he wants, and I think that works for all of us boys,” Langford said.

“And I think it’s given the older boys a little bit of motivation too, they understand that the young boys are coming up and trying to play a game.

“It’s been exciting, and I think the group's looking really strong. Hopefully it’s a great 2026.”