Michael Long

Career: 1989-2001

Games: 190

In his 12-year career at Essendon, Michael Long became one of the most significant figures to play the game.  He played in two premierships and was awarded the 1993 Norm Smith Medal for his two goal 33 disposal game.  But his legacy runs much deeper than statistics.

Long joined the Bombers in 1989.  Although lightly framed, he made an immediate impression playing 49 games in his first two seasons at the club.

By 1993 he was one of the stars of the competition.  His goals in the 1993 Grand Final and his willingness to take his opponent on remain etched in the memory of all those who had the pleasure of watching the game unfold.

Injuries set in after the 1993 premiership.  Long was sidelined for the entire 1994 season with a knee injury.  He made a successful comeback in 1995, earning selection in the All Australian team and finishing fourth in the Brownlow Medal count.  

Long co-captained the Bombers in 1999.

In the 2000 premiership season, Long played 23 games and kicked 18 goals including the first goal of the decider against Melbourne.

He retired a year later after injuring his hamstring in the lead up to the 2001 Grand Final.

During and post his career, Long has been a strong advocate for Indigenous Australians.  In 2004 he walked from Melbourne to Canberra in the hope of securing a meeting with the then Prime Minister John Howard.  He’d walked for 10 days and covered half the distance when Mr Howard agreed to his request.

‘The Long Walk’ continues today.  It is an important element of ‘Dreamtime at the G’ and will be again this weekend when the Bombers take on Richmond.

What's your favourite Michael Long moment?  Tell us below...