Jake Long is heading towards his most promising season since joining Essendon, according to Senior Coach, John Worsfold.
Long’s commitment and attitude to developing his game, have been recognised and rewarded with his promotion to the primary list.
“Jake has shown a lot of promise in the way he plays. He is mainly on the wing but we think he can play half-back as well,” Senior Coach, John Worsfold said.
“He has good speed, good ability to break the lines and deliver the ball going forward.
“He continues to grow as a footballer and we think his best footy is ahead.
“Obviously upgrading Jake isn’t a light decision but we see the upside in what he can bring and we think he has learnt a lot about what it takes to be an AFL footballer and he is ready to grab that spot on the senior list.”
Long played three senior matches in 2016, and averaged 15 disposals, four marks and three tackles across his 15 games in the VFL in 2017.
List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said Long has a great opportunity in front of him.
“As a list management group we decided to elevate Jake onto the primary list as a reward for his efforts over the last three years,” Dodoro said.
“From a strategic point of view, it gives us the opportunity to get another Rookie onto our list.
“We are picking later in the draft this year so tactically it was advantageous to us.
“We have been developing Jake at the Club for a number of years. He was always going to be a late developer and we are really excited about what he can bring to the team.”
Long was recruited by Essendon ahead of the 2015 season and has played three games in the red and black.
