Kyle Langford will be aiming to use the NAB Challenge to cement his spot in the Essendon line-up for round one. 

The 19 year old played eight senior games in his debut season for the Bombers last year. 

Langford increased his workload throughout his second AFL pre-season and is already feeling the benefits. 

“It has been a different pre-season compared to last year, but it’s something that has benefitted me,” he said.

“I’ve put on about four or five kilos and my strength and fitness testing have both improved.

“I’ve done the majority of the pre-season so far – probably closer to about 90 per cent.

“I’m fitter and stronger than I was last year, so looking good.”

Langford picked up 12 possessions in his debut against St Kilda in round five last year.

He missed the next match, but returned against North Melbourne only to be injured early in the contest. 

But after recovering and producing some strong VFL form, Langford returned to the senior side to play six of the final eight matches.

He featured mainly on the half forward line, but spent time in the centre square during the final home and away match of the season against Collingwood.

“I’ve been training probably 60-40 more so in the midfield so far this pre-season,” Langford said.

“In the Friday practice games I’m playing a lot more time in the midfield which is good but I’ll be playing forward as well. 

“I just hope to find some form, find my spot in the team and hopefully go from NAB Cup to round one – that’s the plan.”