TEN days is a long time in the world of football, with Melbourne’s Qualifying Final win seeming like a lifetime ago.
The Demons enjoyed a week-long break after the 33-point win over Brisbane, using the time off to recharge and refocus.
And while some naysayers may think this break could hinder the side’s momentum, Melbourne wingman Ed Langdon is certain the team is remaining positive heading into Friday night’s Preliminary Final against Geelong.
“Everyone is still extremely confident in the way we’re playing,” Langdon told Melbourne Media.
“With finals there is definitely that added pressure, but I think it was a good confidence boost for the guys to be able to stand up and play the way we did [on Saturday].
“That gives us a lot of confidence going into this week’s game.”
Three days out from the clash with Geelong that will determine who will secure a spot in the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final, many are speculating what the key is to Melbourne’s impressive form this year.
It would be easy to say that the side’s improved game comes down to something simple, but Langdon said it’s the culmination of multiple factors.
“I think it comes down to a combination of a lot of things,” Langdon said.
“They’ve been incredible ever since the start of the year, not only their on-field performances but they’ve really understood what the players need and want.
“I think it’s also been the positive relationships around the club, it makes it easier to play well on the field.”
Friday night’s clash will take place at Optus Stadium, Langdon’s former home ground, having spent the first five years of his AFL career at Fremantle.
Langdon said he was eager to return to the stadium, but it would be bittersweet with the 25-year-old reflecting on how important it has been playing in front of crowds in Melbourne.
“I do love Optus, considering the MCG couldn’t hold the final, I think it’s probably the next best stadium,” Langdon said.
“But spending the first half of the year playing in big games in Melbourne, that’s been one of the nicest things to experience this year.
“It was really special for me earlier in the season, to know that I had friends and family in the stands.
“I didn’t have much of that when I was playing in Perth and didn’t have much of it last year because of COVID.”
Langdon first stepped on to Optus Stadium as a Demon in Melbourne’s Round 1 clash against the Eagles last year, debuting in the red and blue and impressing from the get-go, registering 31 disposals.
This strong performance was just a preview into what the talented wingman would provide for the Dees, having gone on to put up career-best performances, his efforts factoring into Melbourne’s recent success.
This year in particular Langdon has managed to push his game to the next level, breathing new life into an often-forgotten role within the side.
“I pride myself on my consistency, so I don’t think it’s necessarily been a shift in my game,” Langdon said.
“It’s probably just having a clear idea of my role and what my role is within the team, which we spoke about a lot in pre-season.
“It’s also been pretty easy playing with the team we’ve got, everyone seems to be playing well, which makes my role a lot easier."
