The Bombers have committed to rookie Jake Long the son of Essendon legend Michael Long after being overlooked in the national draft. Controversially because of the supplements scandal Essendon were wiped of all father-son access picks across the 2013/2014 drafts earlier in the year. So Jake Long had to be secured through the rookie draft. Jake has spent the 2014 season playing for NT Thunder but has been training with Essendon since the middle of November.
Michael Long has been quoted as saying:
“Obviously I’m a very proud dad.
Not just because Jake is at Essendon, the club I spent 12 years with, but because he’s worked
very hard to achieve this and choose his own destiny.”
Essendon supporters appear to be very happy with this draft pick. As well as being a rated rookie, Jake’s selection continues club heritage and is an important part of building morale within a club that has had a turbulent 2014. It would have been a blow if someone destined to wear the black and red was snatched up by another team.
