As the 2026 AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach season approaches, all eyes are on emerging talents who could reshape the landscape. Among these players is Harvey Langford at number 47 in our 50 Most Relevant series, whose potential has ignited discussions among fantasy enthusiasts. Let me dive deep into Langford’s performance, prospects, and what makes him a player to watch this coming season.

What sets Langford apart is his playing style. Despite being only in his second year, he possesses a powerful build and a left boot that can launch the ball an impressive 70 to 75 metres. His contested ball work was phenomenal at the junior level, and he’s shown he can transition effectively into the AFL. Initially thought to be an inside midfielder, Langford surprised many by playing on the wing and utilising his running power to become a dynamic threat.

That versatility is interesting from a fantasy perspective. He’s not locked into one role. He can play wing, he can push inside, and he’s got the tank to cover the ground. When young players show that kind of adaptability, it usually means the coaching staff trusts them to do whatever the team needs.

The big story for Langford in 2026 is opportunity. With the departure of key players like Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, the centre bounce positions are up for grabs. Langford’s prospects for increased playing time are promising, especially considering he averaged a low centre bounce attendances last season. The expectation is that he’ll have more opportunities to showcase his skills in the midfield, which could significantly boost his fantasy scoring potential.

Think about what that means practically. Last year he was playing mostly wing with limited midfield time. He still managed to average 71 in SuperCoach. Now imagine he’s attending 40 to 50% of centre bounces and getting his hands on the ball 5 to 8 more times per game. That’s the type of role change that can turn a 70 averaging player into an 85 to 90 one.

Melbourne needs someone to step up. They’ve lost two of their best midfielders in the trade period, and while they’ve got quality players still there, someone has to fill those centre bounce minutes. Langford is exactly the type of young, athletic midfielder who could grab that opportunity with both hands.

His physical attributes give me confidence he can handle the workload. That powerful build isn’t just for show. It means he can compete at stoppages and break tackles. The left foot gives him a point of difference and makes him harder to defend. When you’ve got a 55 metre kick on you, opposition teams have to respect that range.

But let’s be realistic about the risks here. Given his early season performance last year, there’s genuine uncertainty about whether he can transition smoothly into a more significant midfield role. The competition from other players like Trent Rivers and Caleb Windsor adds another layer of complexity. Rivers in particular could be the one who benefits most from the Oliver and Petracca departures.

You also need to consider Melbourne’s overall team performance. They’ve lost two stars and haven’t replaced them with equivalent talent. If the Demons struggle as a team, that limits scoring opportunities for everyone, including Langford. Fantasy points are easier to come by when your team is winning and controlling possession.

From a pricing perspective, Langford presents interesting value in both formats. In SuperCoach at $384,700 off a 71 average, you’re getting him relatively cheap. If he can push to 80 or 85, that’s significant value generation. In AFL Fantasy at $658,000, you need more faith that he can jump to that 85 to 90 range to justify the investment.

The structure of your squad matters here too. If you’re going heavy on premium mids and need a value play on your bench who could push into your best 22, Langford fits that profile perfectly. If you’re trying to start him in your best 18, you need to be very confident in his role and scoring growth.

Watch the preseason closely with Langford. You want to see him training with the main midfield group, not stuck on a wing. You want to see practice match centre bounce attendances pushing 40% or higher. You want to see the coaching staff talking about him as part of their new look midfield structure.

If those boxes get ticked, Langford becomes one of the more appealing mid price options in both AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach. If he’s still playing predominantly wing with limited midfield time, you can safely pass and look elsewhere.

The comparison to make is with other mid priced midfielders in that same price bracket. Who else is priced around 70 to 75 with genuine opportunity for role growth? That’s your competition set. Langford needs to stack up favourably against those options, not against premium mids averaging 110.