Michael Long says it will be a ‘great feeling’ when his son runs out with Essendon on Sunday.
Jake Long has been picked in the Bombers side to take on Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium.
Michael Long played 190 games for Essendon between 1989 and 2001. He played in two premierships and picked up the North Smith Medal when the Dons won the 1993 flag.
Jake arrived at the Bombers via the 2015 Rookie Draft. He was promoted to the senior list today and given the news that he’ll make his AFL debut against the Suns.
“I’m just happy for Jake, more than anything,” Michael Long said.
“He’s done a lot in the last five or six years in Melbourne… this moment means a lot for Jake.
“As a past player of the Club, there is a lot of history there too. It’s fantastic.”
Jake Long has played 14 games in the VFL this season.
He was able to break the news to his father in person this afternoon.
“It’s obviously an emotional one,” Michael Long said.
“I said ‘you deserve it, you’ve worked hard for it’.
“It’s a great day for the Long family and the Turner family and the Wanganeen family.
“I’m just very happy for Jake. He’s worked very hard to get to this moment.
“It’s a great opportunity for Jake now.
“It will be a great feeling when he runs out on Sunday.”
