Q – Kevin, what is the single greatest joy Michael has given you in his time at Essendon?
A – I think that to be quite honest he has taught us a different way of footy. One of the areas I would like to speak to Michael about is – tell us why the aboriginal player plays that way – can you help us looks into it. The aboriginal players are so brilliant – they have added a magnificent sort of difference to our game from when I played in the VFL. We have got over 50 aboriginal players playing in the AFL competition now. Michael Long is one of the best draw cards we have ever brought the game - he has been instrumental in getting the aboriginal players to play more often at the top level. Personally, the highlights from Michael’s career are:
? From his playing side – his brilliant running of the ball – we saw a bit of this with Bartlett and Cable, but Michael really added a lot of cutting skills to football that a lot of players didn’t have.? From the fans side – Two years ago, the player running with the ball over took the skill of marking that the fans loved – I think Michael Long bought that to the game, more so than the other players of the last two years.
Q – Michael, what has been your greatest memory at the club?
A – There has been so many. First coming to the club and playing for the club – it is such a great club. Playing with the players and under the coaches has been fantastic. There has been so many highlights – obviously the friendships and they are always going to be there between all of the players I have played with and that is there for life. Also the low moments of football too – the people that gather around you.
The premierships were a major highlight and also the ones that got away from us. We stuck together and that is how we formed a relationship and built on a relationship. I want to thank the players and coaches for what this club has given me.
