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Find your Sport Nation frequencyWhy gun Demon would be leading Rising Star race
Sam Watson • May 15th, 2025 9:47 am
Champion Data’s Daniel Hoyne has explained why he believes Melbourne young gun Harvey Langford is leading the way for the Rising Star award after nine rounds of footy.
Langford, who was taken with Pick 6 in the 2024 National Draft, had another stellar performance against Hawthorn in Round 9, booting three goals and picking up 22 disposals.
And while Hoyne admits there’s a lot of areas to like about the 19-year-old, it’s his ball use that is separating him from the pack.
“This guy has size about him and he’s clearly really good in the air, (but) then what stands out is just how he actually uses the footy,” Hoyne said on SEN’s Sportsday.
“On that game on the weekend, no one had greater impact of the 46 players on the ground than what he did through ball use.
“He is a 2025 footballer that you want in your team… it was a great pick, (to get him with) Pick 6.”
After eight games at the top level, Langford is averaging 18.75 disposals, and nearly a goal a game.
Hoyne also raised Champion Data’s ‘relative ratings’ where they measure how players are performing for their age and position.
“He’s performing 46 per cent above expectation this year,” Hoyne added.
“So, he is absolutely flying… I think this guy is probably in front (of the Rising Star race).”
Langford will come up against one of the other key contenders for the Rising Star in Levi Ashcroft when the Demons travel to Brisbane to play the Lions on Sunday afternoon.
At $6 with Sportsbet, Langford is equal second favourite alongside Geelong defender Connor O'Sullivan and behind $2.25 favourite Ashcroft for this year's Rising Star.
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