Echuca’s Noah Long has catapulted from the second-last pick of the National Draft to a round one debut for West Coast in this Saturday’s AFL season opener against North Melbourne.
After a barnstorming pre-season, the 18-year-old will don the Eagles’ #44 jumper for the first time at Marvel Stadium, given the nod from coach Adam Simpson and skipper Luke Shuey at a team meeting on Tuesday evening.
This comes after Long impressed during his first pre-season across the Nullarbor, sealing a remarkable turnaround since an early-2022 collarbone injury nearly derailed his draft year.
While whispers of Long being a round one bolter had made their way around media circles, he admitted to the Riv he didn’t expect to line up in round one.
Now that he is, he said it was an “unreal feeling” to earn the call-up.
“They announced a rough squad earlier in the week and then from there we went into a team meeting on Tuesday afternoon where we found out the news,” Long said.
“It’s an unreal feeling, one you strive for as a kid.
“It’s every kid's dream to get just one game. I’m so grateful and happy at the moment to have the opportunity to get out and play.”
Long impressed in a series of intra-club matches throughout pre-season, drawing comparisons to former premiership forward Mark Lecras from ruckman Nic Naitanui in a recent interview.
For the former Echuca junior, it’s been a roller-coaster ride to the big stage.
Long was first selected for Coates Talent League (formerly NAB League) club Bendigo Pioneers in 2020, competing through under-16s, 17s, and 18s before earning Victoria Country selection.
A collarbone injury curtailed the start of his draft year, keeping him off the park.
This sparked a reinvention of his game, returning to play a key role for Victoria on its way to a National Championships grand final, crafting a reputation as a threatening small forward.
He will be one of four Eagles debutants alongside Campbell Chesser, Reuben Ginbey and Jayden Hunt.
Long said his aim will be simply to “play his role” down forward when called on.
“It will be pretty crazy but it's something you don’t really think about until the time comes,” he said.
“It will be great, all the emotion that comes with it I’ll just accept, but it’s all good feelings.
“It will be a bit surreal.
“I called Mum and Dad Tuesday afternoon and they were pretty stoked.
“Most of the family will be coming down on Saturday,
“It just highlights the support I have and I’m so grateful to have so many people invested and want to be there for a special day like it is.”
Long and West Coast will lock horns with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium from 1.45pm this Saturday, March 18.