Bacchus Marsh has received a big boost with former Essendon player Jake Long committing to the club for this year’s Ballarat Football League season.
Long, the son of Essendon legend and premiership player Michael Long, played five AFL games for the red and black after being drafted as a father-son pick.
He played 82 Victorian Football League games for the Bombers between 2014 and 2019.
Long is currently with Collingwood’s VFL side and will play with the Cobras when he doesn’t have VFL commitments.
The Cobras made the announcement on social media last week.
“We have signed Jake Long for season 2023,” the club said in its post.
“Jake possesses excellent skills and composure as well as the ability to create headaches for opposition teams with his run and carry.
“Welcome to Jake, his partner Cass and daughter Lek to the Cobras.
“We are all looking forward to enjoying watching Jake streaming through the middle of Maddingley Park.”
Long is the second new signing who has been on AFL list for new coach Jason Williams.
The Cobras announced the signing of Luke Goetz before Christmaws.
Goetz was drafted by the Western Bulldogs with selection 29 in the 2015 AFL rookie draft, and has more recently played VFL with Footscray, Essendon and Carlton.
Matt Smith-Bye is the other signing which has been announced by the Cobras so far.
“Originally from Melton South, Matt had some time away from footy before a return with Ballan in the CHFL [Central Highlands Football League],” the Cobras said on social media.
“Matt was named in Ballan’s best players in 12 of his 15 games in 2022, with his hardness at the ball and intensity both traits we can’t wait to add to our group.
“We can’t wait to officially welcome Matt and his family to Maddingley Park in season 2023.”
