Long is bound for Perth after he was selected in the fourth round by the Eagles, taken with pick 58.
Long was with his family at home in Echuca on draft night, alongside parents, Holly and Dylan Butler, sisters Imogen and Lily Butler, and his grandparents.
The small forward-midfielder began his footballing journey with the Echuca Murray Bombers, starting off at Auskick and playing in a junior premiership in the under-14s.
Long spent the past two years with the Bendigo Pioneers in the NAB League, while also playing footy and studying at Geelong Grammar.
Long has a wealth of experience in the Big V too, having represented Vic Country at the under-16, under-17 and under-18 levels.
He played four games for Country at this year’s NAB AFL National Championships, booting three goals in his side’s win over Western Australia.
• Girgarre football product Brayden George will officially call North Melbourne home after he was selected with pick 26 in the AFL national draft.
George is a damaging medium-sized forward renowned for his athleticism and class around goal.
The 18-year-old was a stand-out when he took the field for the Murray Bushrangers at NAB League level in 2022 and kicked 19 goals from his eight matches.
Injury did curtail his draft year however, as he missed the under-18 national championships due to a knee injury and a ruptured ACL brought an end to his season.
As a result, George is unlikely to take the field in 2023 as he recovers from a knee reconstruction.
Over his junior career George played for Stanhope Girgarre Rushworth Giants, Tatura and Girgarre before moving to Wangaratta to complete his schooling.
He is the fourth player from Tatura to be drafted to an AFL club — following in the footsteps of Alistair Burke, Gary Merritt and Adrian Battiston — and the first from Girgarre.
• Mulwala product and Yarrawonga young gun Caleb Mitchell will also make the move interstate after he was selected with pick 40 by Sydney Swans.
The two-way wingman enjoyed a stellar season for Murray Bushrangers at NAB League level this year, averaging 19 disposals, five marks, three inside 50s and two rebound 50s in his 10 games.
Meanwhile, a familiar surname to Goulburn Valley football supporters landed at Collingwood early on Tuesday night.
Jakob Ryan, the son of Tatura champion forward Steve, was selected with pick 28.
A dashing half-back, with a flowing blond mullet, caught the eye of recruiters in his appearances for Glenelg and South Australia this year.
Lastly, Rennie product and former Hawthorn defender Daniel Howe was picked up by North Melbourne with pick 33 in the AFL’s rookie draft on Wednesday afternoon.
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