Kevin Sheedy: I will tell you the first trip we ever went to Darwin – the whole Essendon Football Club. We had never met Jack or the Long family and the whole club went to the house. I said to Jack – “what do you want us to bring?” He said nothing and we will feed all of you. The entire Essendon players, staff and committee at the time went to the Long family house – they fished for a week and cooked the most amazing meal. It was a fantastic night!
It is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever seen, of one family opening their home and feeding the whole Essendon Football Club on their first ever trip to Darwin. We talk about special families and we talk about a very special man. In Michael’s case, we are so lucky to see this person play for our club. Has anybody ever seen a grid iron player in America called Walter Payton – he played in the greatest team of all time in American grid iron. We have our Walter Payton in Michael Long.
Michael’s career at the moment is really about to start – I said to Michael a fortnight ago, I think my biggest mistake at Richmond was I stayed five weeks too long. I had to retire in the May 1979. It is only my advice – but I think Michael’s career is ready to take the next step. I was just a back pocket player, this guy is a superstar and his career is going to be so much bigger than my own from here on. He is 32 years of age – how young is that? I think we will see the best of Michael Long coming out now. I think football will probably be just schooling for him. To go around to schools now and talk to people about football, our country and the love of the game and building our nation – I think Michael will be great. He will also be sensational working in the marketing department at our club. One of the great qualities Michael has got – he has a lot of love for people – that is a good start and he is still young. A lot of people in this room would like to be 32.
