Michael Long, one of Essendon's greatest champions, retired earlier this week. Long came to the club in 1989 and has had an illustrious career with the Bombers including two Premiership medallions. Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson announced Long's retirement at a special press conference held in the Hall of Fame at Windy Hill. Jackson paid tribute to Long for his achievements over the last 15 years both on and off the field. Click here for Peter Jackson's entire speech.

Ladies and gentlemen – thank you for coming today. It is absolutely fantastic in the middle of November to see such an interest. Obviously as you’ve worked out we are here today to officially announce the retirement of one of Essendon’s truly great champions Michael Long. Michael’s had an outstanding career at Essendon – a career full of highlights. I’m sure a lot of you know what they are but some of the more important ones –

? 190 AFL games at the club? 1993 Norm-Smith Medallist? All-Australian 1995 – the year after a serious knee injury? Runner-up in Brownlow Medal 1995? Premierships in 1993 and 2000

The decision to retire was entirely Michael’s and he made that over two weeks ago following discussions with Kevin and myself. We decided to announce it now because Kevin has been off training race horses and other such things and we thought this was the most suitable time to announce it. The decision was made some time ago.

Michael will be having an ongoing role at Essendon using his wisdom and talents to help young players acclimatise to their AFL careers and also work with our marketing people. To be frank with you we see this role for Michael over the next two years to be just a stepping stone or a half way house to allow him to develop his future career outside AFL football utilising his obvious leadership skills that he has.

Michael’s impact on the EFC goes way beyond great football ability. Where as Essendon has been important to Michael, Michael has been as important to the Essendon Football Club. Essendon has given Michael an AFL career and an opportunity for him to show the talents that will take him further in life. Michael’s given Essendon Football Club much more. He has given the club honour, soul, leadership, and importantly a conscience. He has brought the racism and reconciliation issue to our notice and made us as a club and as individuals get involved in that issue. As a result he has made this club a much more understanding and a much more tolerant club than we may have otherwise been and as a result a very proud club - a club where all aboriginal players come to play and feel good about themselves and feel happy about playing with the Essendon Football Club. The AFL competition and certainly Essendon Football Club owes Michael Long a great debt of gratitude for what he has achieved on and off the field.