It might have been a long time between visits for Jake Long but his sense of belonging, family and connection to the Tiwi Islands will always be a special part of his story.

In Tiwi as part of the Bombers Rite of Passage Camp, Long said he was proud to share his indigenous culture with his young teammates this week. 

 “I haven’t been here in two years so it feels good to be back and good to be with the people,” Long said.

“It’s really good for the club, with the next generation academy, that we have the ongoing relationship, as well as getting the boys out and seeing where their teammates are from – myself and Walla,” Long said.

 “It’s definitely eye-opening for the players, it gives them an understanding of our culture, our people, and they are doing really well.

“Footy is used as transport here, it’s like a bus that carries everyone here but then you can also learn life skills.”

Long said the talent on Tiwi was as good as anywhere in the country, with the boys and girls showing they have the potential to be future AFL and AFLW players.

“It’s a huge step, especially for women in footy. The talent up here is just as good as down south,” Long said.