He certainly has something to work with however I would keep him on the rookie list as it gives us greater flexibility.
Members First Email:
Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce Jake Long will continue to be part of the comeback story after signing a one-year deal to remain at the Bombers until the end of 2017.
The son of club legend, Michael Long, arrived at the Bombers via pick 47 in the 2014 AFL Rookie Draft and is a product of the Club’s ‘James Hird Academy.’
Long said he was excited to have locked away the new contract ahead of the Club’s upcoming pre-season campaign.
“It was a dream come true to play my first senior game of football this year and I’m really grateful to the Club for giving me the opportunity to continue my career next season,” Long said.
“As a team, we know we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I think we showed some exciting signs this year.
“The coaches have been really clear about the areas of my game I need to work on and I’m already looking forward to getting stuck into another pre-season with the rest of my teammates.”
Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said the Club was impressed with Long’s development this season.
“Jake has worked incredibly hard on the training track, his determination to improve as a player has been outstanding,” Worsfold said.
“He is wiry and fast, a strong tackler, has a lot of raw talent and is well-respected by his teammates both on and off the field.
“Another strong pre-season will give him the opportunity to improve his game further, so we’re really pleased he’ll continue his career at Essendon.”
Essendon List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said the 20-year-old’s re-commitment was a great show of faith in the Club’s player development programs.
“This is another proud moment for Essendon and it continues the wonderful history and tradition of the great Long name at our Club,” Dodoro said.
“Jake is a driven young man who is determined to forge his own career in the red and black and we’re excited to see what he will produce in 2017.”
After consistent games in the VFL this year, Long made his much anticipated debut in Round 21 against Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium.
Onya Longy!
A one-year deal ? Jeez, he’s worth two at least !
Does that mean 1 more year as a rookie or has he been elevated to the main list
Does that mean 1 more year as a rookie or has he been elevated to the main listYou would assume that if he was upgraded it would be somewhere in the article, but it is a bit odd that it's not mentioned one way or another.
A one-year deal ? Jeez, he's worth two at least !
The club is probably not convinced fully that he can make it at AFL level. If Jake can show massive improvement and play 15-20 games then the club will most likely sign him on a longer contract at the end of 2017.
A one-year deal ? Jeez, he's worth two at least !The club is probably not convinced fully that he can make it at AFL level.
Can’t he only stay on the rookie list for one more year, therefore meaning that a two year deal would have to have to involve an elevation? In fact aren’t all rookie contracts for one year?
A one-year deal ? Jeez, he's worth two at least !The club is probably not convinced fully that he can make it at AFL level.
Can’t he only stay on the rookie list for one more year, therefore meaning that a two year deal would have to have to involve an elevation? In fact aren’t all rookie contracts for one year?
Not sure tbh.
Sounds like rookie list, so 3 rookie spots available plus a class b international rookie.
Seems likely that Aaron Hepp and Nash Holmes may be two of them (if still available). Hope they re-rookie Will Hams!!
A one-year deal ? Jeez, he's worth two at least !The club is probably not convinced fully that he can make it at AFL level. If Jake can show massive improvement and play 15-20 games then the club will most likely sign him on a longer contract at the end of 2017.
I reckon if he plays 10 games he’ll be looking good for another contract. It will be a tough gig for him to get a game. But if he improves as much in the next 12 months as he did in the last 12, he’ll be looking good
A one-year deal ? Jeez, he's worth two at least !The club is probably not convinced fully that he can make it at AFL level. If Jake can show massive improvement and play 15-20 games then the club will most likely sign him on a longer contract at the end of 2017.
Agreed. He has much work to do to earn a spot on the senior list. Full of speed and enthusiasm but doesn’t read the play all that well at present. Could put on a few kilos too. I do hope that he makes it though.
Expecting a guy on the rookie list to play 20 games? ■■■■ may as well delist now then.
Expecting a guy on the rookie list to play 20 games? ■■■■ may as well delist now then.
Yes, good point.
I think it’s a pretty poor article to not confirm if it’s a main or rookie spot. I would think that this information is available to the other clubs so doubt that there is any value in trying to hide it.
he was promoted to the main list before he played for us this year. This contract extension would be for the senior list.
he was promoted to the main list before he played for us this year. This contract extension would be for the senior list.
Those types of promotions are only temporary.
I’d say he’s almost certainly staying as a rookie, especially seeing as they didn’t mention anything.
At a guess I’d say they’ve given him one year on the rookie list and told him that’s enough time to prove himself.
I’d set a bar considering the list that he needs to be pushing for selection by mid year, if he gets some games back end then great
Expecting a guy on the rookie list to play 20 games? ■■■■ may as well delist now then.
Bye bye Tippa.