Essendon legend Michael Long has been inducted as a life member of the AFL at the 2018 Annual General Meeting.
Long has been recognised under the provision of ‘Special Service to the Game’ based on his community leadership to Aboriginal Australia and said it was going to be a proud moment.
“I was pretty humbled to get the call from the AFL,” Long said
“Tonight is obviously a very special night, having this bestowed upon you.
“You don’t strive to win the accolades or the awards, but it’s great to be acknowledged and to become a life member of the AFL I was pretty taken aback by it.”
Known for his daring dash down the wing for the Bombers, Long has also been a leader in addressing racism in sport, including being involved in the introduction of the first racial vilification policy in Australian sport.
Long was a sensational athlete famously known for his 1993 finals series, including winning the 1993 Norm Smith Medal.
After retirement from football, Long established the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre in Darwin, providing young indigenous adults accommodation facilities, gym and education spaces to harness the power of sport for indigenous students from remote areas.
Long famously embarked on his “Long Walk” from Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra in 2004 to raise the issues of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and put them back on the national agenda by meeting with Prime Minister John Howard.
Supporters from across Australia expressed their commitment to reconciliation by joining Michael Long for part of his 650-kilometre journey and Long successfully met with Prime Minister John Howard.
The Long Walk charity has since been established, holding the annual Long Walk with from Federation Square to the MCG prior to the Dreamtime at the ‘G clash between Essendon and Richmond every year.
CLICK HERE to find out more about The Long Walk and CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to Dreamtime at the ‘G and all other Bombers matches.
LONG’S CAREER STATISTICS:
Career: 1989-2001
Games: 190
Goals: 143
EFC Premiership player: 1993 & 2000
Norm Smith Medallist: 1993
All Australian: 1995
EFC Co-captain: 1999
EFC Vice Captain: 1996 &1998-2001
Indigenous Team of the Century (Wing)
Northern Territory Team of the Century (Wing)
Australian Football Hall of Fame
