In accepting the 2018 Players’ Award at the Doig Medal Presentation Dinner at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday night, Ed Langdon revealed the moment that kicked off his breakout year. 

Langdon was given a wake up call when facing a firey Ross Lyon during a break in a pre-season game.

The 22-year-old clearly took the senior coach's words on, and credited Lyon for his year where he collected 25 disposals or more on 12 occasions.

“I’d like to thank the coaches, Ross in particular. I wouldn’t be up here tonight if it wasn’t for you,” Langdon said.

“I sincerely mean that, I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for me.

“I copped one of the biggest sprays of my life in (the JLT Community Series) from Ross and it clicked me into gear pretty quick.”

As the winner of the Players’ Award, Langdon was acknowledged as the player who best displayed the values set by the group at the start of the season, as voted by the playing group.

He was presented the award on stage by captain Nat Fyfe, who has won the award four times.

“It’s quite special,” Langdon said.

“If there is one award I would like to win this one would be it, to be honest.

“I’ve always thought that recognition from your peers is the best recognition you can receive. It’s an incredible honour to be up here tonight.”