Keep playing Long

[terry smith rules]

Not a heap of disposals but some clever and determined plays. Lots of upside.

Players like him and Jade it's a waste of time playing them in the VFL (unless trying to send a message like Lyon did with Dal)

They aren't going to learn anything in the VFL. They have talent to burn. I hope that 21 could be our Cyril type player just give them 12 disposals but ah what gold they would be.

[Sainter_Dad]

Totally agree - the short game is killing us - our disposal accuracy cannot sustain it...... but Sainter_Dad jokes aside - I would be disappointed if he was dropped based on Saturday nights game - kept seeing him bob up at opportune times, with little glimpses. I am hoping he will be a player - and I believe that he is versatile as well - kind of like a mini swingman!

[skeptic]

He did very well in the harass department and pbly as well as what Mav has produced this season though Weller has gotten more of the ball.

The kid does need games though, there's no disputing that.

I wonder what he's tank is like.

[saintsRrising]

Essendon have some very quick players. So I would be tipping that Long will stay in after what was quite a handy game.

[carn_sainter]

He looked very comfortable in there. Good pressure, good in traffic, all of his touches were good (except and including that wayward one that Koby dropped before taking on three players and scoring the goal).

I believe in Long. He'll be very damaging in a couple of years time and I would like him to get the kind of faith and persistence Gresham has deservedly had because the sooner he is up to the pace of the game the better off we'll be.

[Otiman]

Yep.

He is a game influencer, even without the footy.

[SemperFidelis]

He showed some real grit. For a first year player he is a real hard nut.
Cannot wait to see him after another pre-season or two.
Fantastic to see him locked in today to 2019.

[Vazelos]

This kid once he settles into the pace of the AFL is going to be a beauty...
He is hard as nails and has the X factor...
Love him..

[fugazi]

This kid once he settles into the pace of the AFL is going to be a beauty...
He is hard as nails and has the X factor...
Love him..

I feel very confident that this kid had what it takes.
The stats don't reflect his impact. Knocking the ball to space in contests, his closing speed and cool head in traffic. Good inclusion
Would love to see him get a few more games and get us a Rising Star nominee this year.

[satchmo]

Robert Plant was right. It's Ben Long time.

[saintsRrising]

Just watched the replay for the first time.

Ben was even better than I thought he was when I watched him live. Great work rate. Great pressure.

[minneapolis]

So you are saying Play Long Longer?

[saintsRrising]

So you are saying Play Long Longer?

Well personally I would say play Hickey for Longer. And Well, er stick with Long.

[Impatient Sainter]

Agree with OP. Long did some smart things against the Tigers snd more game time we see him blossom.

[kosifantutti]

So you are saying Play Long Longer?

Well personally I would say play Hickey for Longer. And Well, er stick with Long.

The channel 7 boundary rider was having a chat to our ruckman after the game and and the director was trying to decide whether he should also chat to our new forward.

It came down to:
Should Ling chat with Long?
Or linger with Longer.

[borderbarry]

Ohh Kosi! That is dreadful.

[Sainternist]

Robert Plant was right. It's Ben Long time.

Nice one, Satch!

Would be good to rock and roll the Injectors on Friday night!

[Moods]

Agree with the O.P.

Young players just have to show something, they don't have to be in the best players. Long showed something - that he could have that something special that creates goals, that causes turnovers, that excites the team. Definitely should keep his place.

[The Fireman]

Robert Plant was right. It's Ben Long time.

yes