Docker to Dee
MIDFIELDER Ed Langdon has admitted he struggled for motivation while at the struggling Fremantle Dockers and moving to Melbourne has re-ignited his passion for the game.
Langdon will play in Saturday’s grand final against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in just his second season at the Demons.
Recruited by Fremantle as pick 54 in the 2014 national draft, Langdon played only two games in his first season as the Dockers won the minor premiership and played in a preliminary final.
But after crashing down the ladder and starting a re-build in 2016,
Langdon’s next 12 matches were all losses. When Port Adelaide thrashed Fremantle by 89 points in round 2 2017, Langdon had a 2-15 record at the elite level and he suffered another nine losses by more than 50 points in 2018.
He said while the re-build had initially been exciting given the Dockers were playing so many youngsters, the losses took their toll. Langdon said this season and preparing for a grand final with Melbourne had reminded him of why he played.
“It certainly takes a toll on your motivations for football when you’re losing week in and week out. It’s really tough. You do question why you are playing a lot of the time,” Langdon said.
“You probably don’t know how much you enjoy it or play for winning until you have that experience.
“I was always motivated for success and team success but winning a premiership felt so distanced for a long time that it was never a real goal of mine. But having played in two finals and being so close to it now, it is incredibly motivating.”
The Demons finished 17th the season before Langdon moved home to Victoria, but the 25-year-old said he had confidence in Melbourne’s list.