AFTER being overlooked in the 2015 AFL Draft, Ben Long has remained steadfast in his approach to being watched once again in 2016.
The ‘over-ager’ boards at Melbourne Grammar and was one of their better players in what as a disappointing season in their APS school football competition.
Melbourne Grammar seem destined to have a handful of prospects join the AFL over the next few years with Dylan Clarke (2016), Jack Maibaum (2016), Charlie Spargo (2017) and Tyrone Hayes (2017) among the few likely to be drafted.
Standing at 183cm, Long is extremely versatile and able to play at both ends of the ground. His attack on the ball is superb and some of his flashes in and out of the contest catch the eye of those who have seen him play.
Early this season Long played for Northern Territory in the division two National Under 18 Championships, averaging 20 disposals, with his good form seeing him rewarded by being selected in the Allies squad for the division one carnival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z_2dRwyZkk
By the numbers, Long’s division one carnival was underwhelming but his job on Vic Country’s Ben Ainsworth in the final game of the carnival was outstanding – keeping the likely top 10 draftee to five disposals and a solitary goal at Simonds Stadium.
Long then gained an opportunity playing as 23rd man in the Footscray VFL team in August.
With seven disposals and four tackles on debut for Footscray, the Dogs kept him in for the following game where he bobbed up and nabbed three goals (including the opening goal of the day.
Long has been the surprise packet for Footscray this year. Playing just his sixth VFL game for the season, Long announced himself as a potential draftee with six goals against Collingwood VFL in the Dogs’ win on Saturday afternoon.
The impressive display from the 19-year-old saw him boot five second half goals, to lead Footscray to a 119-point win and catapult them into Sunday’s VFL Grand Final.
Finishing with 17 disposals (nine contested), six marks and six goals proved himself a worthy invitation to this years National Draft Combine which is to be held in October.
80 PLAYERS INVITED TO THE 2016 AFL DRAFT COMBINE
Here's the hot tip. Get used to a young fella by the name of Ben Long. He lit it up today for @FootscrayVFL. https://t.co/bSHor7RQT2
— 7VFL (@7VFL) September 17, 2016
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