Michael Long Biography

Michael Long is named Northern Territorian of the Year in recognition of his work as an indigenous community leader.

Essendon unveil a statue of Michael Long at the entrance of the Bombers' Tullamarine headquarters, the only statue currently standing at the club.

It was commissioned by the Bombers and club director Dave Barham and his family, and comprises elements of Long's on and off-field contribution to the game.

Long is depicted holding a walking stick, representing his historical trek to Canberra in 2004, and is wearing the Bombers' red sash with the No.13 on his back.

"I'd like to thank the club and the Barham family for commissioning the statue, the artist has done an incredible job acknowledging my playing career and walk to Canberra. It's a surreal moment but something me and my family are very proud of," Long said.

Illness will keep Essendon champion Michael Long from the traditional Long Walk before the Dreamtime at the 'G clash with Richmond.

"I am disappointed I can't be there in person, but the Long Walk is not about me," Long said.

"It's about continuing the conversation about how we can improve the everyday lives, education and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."

Eddie Betts and Steve Johnson headline a list of 10 new AFL life members.

Betts, Jordan Lewis, Kade Simpson and the recently retired Johnson and Andrew Mackie automatically qualified for life membership having passed 300 AFL games.

The AFL announced on Wednesday it had also conferred life membership for "special service to the game" to former Commission chairman and Carlton premiership captain Mike Fitzpatrick, 1993 Norm Smith medallist Michael Long and dual Richmond premiership player and long-time broadcaster Rex Hunt.

Michael Long has put his hand up to fill the AFL Commission vacancy, saying it is time an indigenous person had a say on the game's highest governing body.

The AFL is searching for a replacement for Linda Dessau who is set to stand down as a commissioner by June to take over as Victoria's new governor.

The AFL has never had an indigenous commissioner before and Long told the Herald Sun that needed to change.

"We have women on the commission, we have let different nationalities run our great game, and I've got a passion for football, and I've had a plan for 10 years and I think I have given back what the game has given me," Long said.

"This is something I feel very strongly about and the timing is right.

"I'll be one person putting my hand up and it's not my decision to say I'm the one.

"I'll let the powers that be decide that but my passion is to see an indigenous person in that role."

Having trained with the Bombers for the past few weeks, and followed them all his life, Jake Long will officially join Essendon as a rookie on Wednesday – the club where his father Michael grew into a champion.

The club confirmed on Monday it would pick the 18-year-old at this week's NAB AFL Rookie Draft, having nominated him under the father-son rookie pre-selection rule.

That gave the Bombers first rights to grab Long should he not be taken in the national draft, and the wiry youngster has prepared for joining the club by training with the senior squad in the past month.

"We're pretty proud of what he (Jake) has achieved," Michael Long said.

"He's just finished year 12 ... to top that off to be rookie listed by the club that's been a big part of my life, it's a proud moment for the family."

Michael Long, who has done more than anyone to address the issue of racism in Australia's only indigenous football code, says even though there is no room for complacency, the fight is being won.

"The game has come so far and the positives outweigh the negatives," Long said.

"Given what's happened (with Goodes and Jetta) we've still got to be just as diligent with our supporters and ... influence what happens on the boundaries of our great game.

"There still needs to be a lot of work done on the education side of things.

"You can never lose sight of that."

Michael Long has been appointed as an indigenous ambassador at Essendon.

"Michael will always be an important part of the fabric of our club. Both on and off the field, he has been a pioneer for indigenous communities and he played a pivotal role in combating racism in sport and the AFL," Essendon CEO Ian Robson said.

"To be able to formally welcome him back to the club as an indigenous ambassador is extremely exciting and takes his connection with Essendon Football Club to another level."