This moment is the 25th of a virtual series presenting the Bombers' best 30 moments over 150 years, which fans can vote on for their chance to win prizes. Click here to view and vote, and see the schedule and prizes below.
If Leon Baker’s two last-quarter goals in the 1984 Grand Final were the inspiration for Essendon to go on and win the flag that day, then Michael Long’s running, bouncing, goal-scoring feats through 1993 did the same for the 'Baby Bombers'.
It was appropriate that, in the year of Long’s emergence, when he ran, weaved, bounced, tackled and roamed across football fields throughout the country, the world was celebrating the Year of Indigenous People.
The 1993 preliminary final was game 101 for the 23-year-old Long who, a few weeks earlier, had confided to president David Shaw how he had dreamt of playing a key role in an Essendon premiership, showcasing the relationship between Indigenous Australians and the Indigenous game of Australian football.
In the first quarter, Long gave warning of what was to come when, with the ball in dispute 70 metres from Essendon’s goal, he gathered and, for a split second, time appeared to stand still. Then, as if giving himself permission to attack, he tucked the ball under his arm, evaded a tackler, took one bounce and drilled a 45-metre goal. At the next centre bounce, Long again charged away before passing to full-forward Paul Salmon. It was only 30 seconds of brilliance, but it gave Adelaide’s coach Graham Cornes plenty to think about.
But, Long’s moments of brilliance aside, walking from the MCG at half-time the Bombers trailed the Crows by 42 points and it appeared that Long’s premiership dream was over. However, some inspiring words at half-time by coach Kevin Sheedy and the club’s senior players, followed by some more Long dominance in the third term, dramatically swung the match back in Essendon’s favour.
It was Long who got the first centre clearance of the third term; he then spoiled an Adelaide kick-in that resulted in a Darren Bewick goal - suddenly, the Bombers were away. Long then stole the ball at the next centre bounce, charging clear again. Minutes later, his bouncing run down the wing ended with a Salmon goal. Not only were they big plays, they brought the Essendon crowd back to life. The Bombers went on to win by 11 points, setting the stage for one of the most memorable solo performances in Grand Final history.
On Grand Final day against Carlton, at the seven-minute-mark of the first quarter, Dustin Fletcher kicked long from full-back to just short of the centre, rover Sean Denham sharked the ball and took off; so, too, did Long. As the Carlton players closed in on Denham, Long magically found himself in the clear on the outer wing. Denham fired the ball across to his speedy winger and Long took two quick bounces, glanced at the umpire to ensure a free kick had not been paid against his teammate who was shepherding behind, then he composed himself, cut inboard, bounced again, eluded a tackler and drilled a low, bullet-like kick for goal. Carlton defender Stephen Silvagni pleaded his case that he had touched the ball on the line but, perhaps sensing the moment, the goal umpire signalled a goal.
It was scintillating. Mesmerising. Unforgettable. And, as Long made his way back to the centre, the look on his face said everything: No one can catch me, this is my moment.
According to assistant coach Neale Daniher, the Long goal was a set play devised in Grand Final week. “We’d practised that on the Thursday. The Fletcher long kick to the runners, then the goal, everything just worked exactly how we’d planned it. In the coach’s box, I was going to say ‘What about that, Kev?’ but, it was too early in the game to gloat.”
Long kicked another bouncing goal in the second term, plus set up his teammates for numerous others, in a performance for the ages. When it was all over, and Essendon had recorded a famous 44-point triumph, there was only one moment left for Long’s dream of a few weeks earlier to become reality: he was awarded the Norm Smith Medal for best player on the ground. Capping it off, the medallion was presented to Long by the spiritual leader, in a football sense, of all Indigenous footballers: Maurice Rioli, the 1982 winner of the award and a relation of Long’s through marriage.
Dreams don’t become much better than that.
SCHEDULE OF MOMENTS
Round 1 (launching May 6) - 1872-1939
Round 2 (launching May 10) - 1940-1959
Round 3 (launching May 15) - 1960-1979
Round 4 (launching May 20) - 1980-1989
Round 5 (launching May 25) - 1990-1999
Round 6 (launching May 30) - 2000-2021
Round 7 (launching June 4) - Finals round
PRIZES
Round 1 – One 2022 merchandise pack, including an Essendon New Era Black on Black 9FORTY Snapback cap ($40) and an Essendon Heritage Bar Scarf ($30)
Round 2 – One Essendon Fibre of Football Scarf ($80)
Round 3 - One Essendon Football Club 150-year anniversary commemorative mosaic ($295)
Round 4 – One Essendon Football Club 150-year anniversary commemorative mosaic ($295)
Round 5 – One 2022 team-signed guernsey ($500)
Round 6 – One copy of the Red & Black Collection special 150th anniversary book ($329)
Round 7 – One copy of the Red & Black Collection special 150th anniversary book ($329) and one 2022 team-signed guernsey ($500)
