Baby-faced and weighing in at 73kg, Noah Long wasn’t anticipated to make a splash when he landed at West Coast.
Taken with the Eagles’ final choose within the 2022 draft, Long was simply overshadowed on arrival by the spectacular dimension of prime choice Reuben Ginbey and the boldness of Elijah Hewett.
But because the pre-season has ramped up so has the hype across the 177cm goalsneak from Victoria, who’s rapidly changing into the bolter for the upcoming season.
It comes after a tough draft yr for Long, who broke his collarbone in three locations in Bendigo Pioneers’ opening sport of the season.
It price the ahead precious time within the health club and threatened his probabilities to be recruited.
But three intelligent objectives for Vic Country towards Western Australia within the under-18 championships caught the eye of the Eagles.
Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree mentioned it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Long, as he reworked right into a artful ahead.
“I said to a few of the recruiters leading up to the draft that he was one of the cleaner players you’ll meet,” he mentioned.
“He’s a really good kick, a good decision maker and very clever. I think it sets him up well if he can get a little bit fitter and stronger to go to that next level.
“At the back end of the year, he was able to show his flexibility as a player and versatility. I probably didn’t have too many concerns that he could do it.
“It was definitely a blessing in disguise.”
O’Bree mentioned he wouldn’t be stunned to see Long in an Eagles guernsey this season as he competes for the vacant ahead position left by Junior Rioli’s transfer to Port Adelaide.
“We’ve been around him for the last couple of years and understand how hard he works and what his character is,” he mentioned.
“He probably wasn’t on the radar because he’s had so many injuries over the last couple of years. It’s more surprising for those who haven’t seen him enough.
“He’s worked so hard to get a lot stronger and bigger. Being in a full-time environment will really suit him and I think he will take every opportunity as it comes.
“His skill and his decision making, leadership on field and coach-ability certainly sets him up for success, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he played this year at all and I think he’s going to be around for a long time too.”
West Coast captain Luke Shuey mentioned Long was an thrilling prospect from what he’d seen within the first three months of his time on the Eagles.
“He’s got plenty of small forward craft,” Shuey mentioned.
“Probably something we need losing Vennas (Daniel Venables) and Junior over the last couple of years.
“He’s another kid who has come in more mature than just an 18-year-old so he’s going to be a ripper for us.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
