#34 Jake Long - you’re cut, so long

Football Discussion Dustin Fletcher Hangar
783

‘Pretty special’: Jake on his Long road

ESSENDON rookie Jake Long still hasn’t spoken to his father properly about his debut against Gold Coast.

But he doesn’t have to - Michael Long’s emotions were there for all to see on Sunday.

“I saw Dad’s face and he was just overwhelmed and excited that his son was going to play AFL footy for Essendon,” Long said on Monday.

And if the former 190-game veteran was proud at the first bounce, it wouldn’t be hard to guess how the Bombers’ legend felt at the end of the game.

Long, 20, showed all the promise anyone would want from a rookie on debut in the Bombers’ six-point win over the Suns at Etihad Stadium.

The wingman set up two goals, had 13 touches and provided one of the sentimental highlights of the game when he linked with Joe Daniher, son of former Essendon player Anthony.


Jake Long during his debut match for the Bombers

“Hopefully we can get some chemistry going in the future,” Long said.

"The reception from the crowd was amazing. I think the Bomber fans have come out in numbers and it’s great to see them all and the love that they give Joey and Jobe (Watson).

“I know they love Joey and Jobe - hopefully I can join that three and make a trio.”

Picked up by the club as a rookie at the start of last season after being overlooked in the draft, Long’s path to the AFL has been a lengthy one.

He also admits to having grown up with the pressure of his surname, which he has learnt to overcome along the way.

“It’s always there, it’s always in the back of your mind, but you can’t really think about those things going into games and the way you’re performing,” he said.

"I take that into my stride. I’ve learnt to deal with it over time.

“But to play footy for Essendon as a Long is pretty special.”

Long also said his father had given him little advice before the game except to just ‘run the ball’ - which he did with freedom.

784

LONG puns

785

Played a more effective and efficient game than Lav. That’s exciting!!

786
Played a more effective and efficient game than Lav. That's exciting!!

I remember when we drafted him, Dodoro said that internally he was rated right there with Lav and Langford.

787
'Pretty special': Jake on his Long road

ESSENDON rookie Jake Long still hasn’t spoken to his father properly about his debut against Gold Coast.

But he doesn’t have to - Michael Long’s emotions were there for all to see on Sunday.

“I saw Dad’s face and he was just overwhelmed and excited that his son was going to play AFL footy for Essendon,” Long said on Monday.

And if the former 190-game veteran was proud at the first bounce, it wouldn’t be hard to guess how the Bombers’ legend felt at the end of the game.

Long, 20, showed all the promise anyone would want from a rookie on debut in the Bombers’ six-point win over the Suns at Etihad Stadium.

The wingman set up two goals, had 13 touches and provided one of the sentimental highlights of the game when he linked with Joe Daniher, son of former Essendon player Anthony.


Jake Long during his debut match for the Bombers

“Hopefully we can get some chemistry going in the future,” Long said.

"The reception from the crowd was amazing. I think the Bomber fans have come out in numbers and it’s great to see them all and the love that they give Joey and Jobe (Watson).

“I know they love Joey and Jobe - hopefully I can join that three and make a trio.”

Picked up by the club as a rookie at the start of last season after being overlooked in the draft, Long’s path to the AFL has been a lengthy one.

He also admits to having grown up with the pressure of his surname, which he has learnt to overcome along the way.

“It’s always there, it’s always in the back of your mind, but you can’t really think about those things going into games and the way you’re performing,” he said.

"I take that into my stride. I’ve learnt to deal with it over time.

“But to play footy for Essendon as a Long is pretty special.”

Long also said his father had given him little advice before the game except to just ‘run the ball’ - which he did with freedom.

No need for lengthy speeches. No need to say more than three words. Brilliant.

788

We should trade-in Ling Jong and play him next to Jake Long. Then sit back and watch as Brian Taylor gets his tongue tied mixing their names.

789

Lol.

790

Only a Long would have attempted that handpass to Grimley for goal, and only a Long could pull it off.

Moves like his old man, does the little things like his old man and goes at blokes like his old man.

LID OFF

791
Played a more effective and efficient game than Lav. That's exciting!!

I remember when we drafted him, Dodoro said that internally he was rated right there with Lav and Langford.

I’d love to believe that, but the cranky realist in me says that if we really rated him that high, we’d have nominated him as a regular f/s pick rather than just letting him fall through to the rookie draft and risking some other scrub team grabbing him ahead of us with pick 104 or something.

792

so thrilled to read about SOM’s debut match on BB… In GB atm…Long, long way from home but can feel the excitement even from the other side of the world.
And wasn’t it fantastic to see the other players get around him!

793
Played a more effective and efficient game than Lav. That's exciting!!

I remember when we drafted him, Dodoro said that internally he was rated right there with Lav and Langford.

I’d love to believe that, but the cranky realist in me says that if we really rated him that high, we’d have nominated him as a regular f/s pick rather than just letting him fall through to the rookie draft and risking some other scrub team grabbing him ahead of us with pick 104 or something.

I think it was potential more than output at the time

794

Thought he was really composed for a first game player. Looked very comfortable and did some nice things. Just brings a snile to my face to see Michael’s son out there.

795
Played a more effective and efficient game than Lav. That's exciting!!

I remember when we drafted him, Dodoro said that internally he was rated right there with Lav and Langford.

I’d love to believe that, but the cranky realist in me says that if we really rated him that high, we’d have nominated him as a regular f/s pick rather than just letting him fall through to the rookie draft and risking some other scrub team grabbing him ahead of us with pick 104 or something.

I think it was potential more than output at the time

It was always about getting his body ready. They also kept him out of the spotlight, he showed a bit in the VFL straight away, but they only tried that once and kept him under wraps as much as possible IIRC.

796
so thrilled to read about SOM's debut match on BB.. In GB atm...Long, long way from home but can feel the excitement even from the other side of the world. And wasn't it fantastic to see the other players get around him!

It was a fantastic day, and a great win for him to debut in.

797
Played a more effective and efficient game than Lav. That's exciting!!

I remember when we drafted him, Dodoro said that internally he was rated right there with Lav and Langford.

I’d love to believe that, but the cranky realist in me says that if we really rated him that high, we’d have nominated him as a regular f/s pick rather than just letting him fall through to the rookie draft and risking some other scrub team grabbing him ahead of us with pick 104 or something.

I think it was potential more than output at the time

Wait, you’re serious? I thought it was a hilarious joke

798

Is “Run the Ball” Jake’s version of Leroy’s “Dances with football”?

RUN THE BALL JAKE

799

Impressive, silky, classy, something we have missed up forward for a very long time, since Lovett actually. With Raz providing speed and Jake the ‘Rioli/Long’ factor.
Cannot imagine he stays on rookie list next year. Must be in our best 38 or whatever the number is. He got Rookie listing to keep him in system while learning, putting on weight etc, now he has shown he can do it, let him play our season.

800
Played a more effective and efficient game than Lav. That's exciting!!

I remember when we drafted him, Dodoro said that internally he was rated right there with Lav and Langford.

I’d love to believe that, but the cranky realist in me says that if we really rated him that high, we’d have nominated him as a regular f/s pick rather than just letting him fall through to the rookie draft and risking some other scrub team grabbing him ahead of us with pick 104 or something.

I think it was potential more than output at the time

Wait, you’re serious? I thought it was a hilarious joke

Dodoro: we are as confident with Jake as we are with our first two picks in the national draft (Lav and Lang)

801

Did his cousin get this type of love?

802
Did his cousin get this type of love?

No