Essendon Football Club will continue its proud history of drafting father-son recruits, after announcing it will select Jake Long in Wednesday’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
The eighteen year-old midfielder is the son of club champion, Michael Long and a product of Essendon’s James Hird Academy.
Senior coach James Hird said the club’s development program is providing young talent with the opportunity to follow in their father’s footsteps.
“To see Joe Daniher, and now Jake, make it onto the Essendon list is a credit to Adrian Dodoro and the recruiting team, as well as the Academy coaching staff,” Hird said.
“There will be expectations from outside the football club for Jake to emulate the career of his father, but internally there’s no pressure.”
“We want Jake to enjoy his footy, enjoy his development and learn from the challenges along the way, and I think the most pleasing aspect is Jake is a driven young man who wants to forge his own career.”
Jake said he is excited about the proposition of pulling on the famous red sash.
“Essendon is a huge part of our family, and it’s a great feeling to officially join the club that means so much to me and obviously my Dad,” Long said.
“I’ve come through the James Hird Academy and got my first taste of pulling on the Essendon jumper in the last game of the VFL this season, which was a really exciting opportunity.”
“I know I’ve got plenty of work to do on my development but I’m ready to put in the hard yards and hopefully I can take that next step and play senior footy for the Bombers.”
Michael Long said today’s announcement was a special day for his entire family.
“This is a proud moment for our family, the Long surname has obviously opened the door and provided Jake with an opportunity, but I know he has the drive and commitment to make the most of this chance,” Long said.
“Jake is very dedicated, he’s spent the past couple of years away from the family down here in Melbourne in the hope of realising his dream, and I think it’s great Essendon have rewarded him for his commitment.”
“I think what the football club is doing through the James Hird Academy is important and its makes sure the club retains that great family feel which was prevalent during my playing days.”
Following today’s announcement and the club’s commitment to re-drafting Kurt Aylett, the club will have one live pick in Wednesday’s Rookie Draft.
