Michael Long (footballer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michael LongOAM |
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Long on The Long Walk in 2014
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Michael Long | ||
| Date of birth | 1 October 1969 | ||
| Place of birth | Tiwi Islands | ||
| Original team | St Mary's/West Torrens | ||
| Draft | No. 23., 1988 national draft | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Michael Long OAM (born 1 October 1969) is a famous former Australian rules footballer. He is also well-known for being a strong voice for Indigenous rights. He has worked hard to fight against racism in sports.
Long played for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He helped his team win two championships. In 1993, he even won the Norm Smith Medal for being the best player in the Grand Final. Beyond football, he helped bring in a rule against racial abuse in the AFL in 1995. He also started "The Long Walk," which remembers the Stolen Generations. This walk is now a big tradition in the AFL. In 2023, Long walked a long distance to support the Indigenous Voice referendum.
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Michael's Early Life and Football Start
Michael Long was born on the Tiwi Islands. His mother, Agnes, and father, Jack, were both taken from their families when they were young. This happened as part of the Stolen Generations. Michael grew up on the Tiwi Islands.
He later moved to Darwin to play football with the St Mary's team. There, he helped his team win several championships. In 1988, he played for the Northern Territory team. His amazing skills caught the eye of many top clubs, including Essendon.
Michael's AFL Career Highlights
Michael Long played some of his best football for the Essendon Football Club. In the 1993 AFL Grand Final, he was outstanding. He helped Essendon get a big lead early in the game. He had 33 possessions, which means he got the ball many times. For his amazing effort, he won the Norm Smith Medal. This award goes to the best player in the Grand Final. Another Tiwi Islander, Maurice Rioli, gave him the medal.
In 1994, Michael hurt his knee and could not play for a whole year. But he came back strong in 1995. That year, during the first-ever Anzac Day match between Essendon and Collingwood, something important happened. Michael was racially abused during the game. This incident led to big changes in how the AFL dealt with racism.
Michael had more knee problems in the next two years. He only played a few games. But he worked hard to recover. By 1999, he was playing well again. In 2000, Michael made history by kicking the first goal at the new Docklands Stadium. He was also part of the Essendon team that won the championship in 2000. That team had an incredible season, losing only one game.
His final season was in 2001. Essendon made it to the Grand Final again. But Michael hurt his hamstring just before the game. He could not play, and Essendon lost the final to Brisbane.
Michael's Activism After Football
After he stopped playing football, Michael Long became a strong voice for Indigenous Australians. He spoke out about important issues. He wanted to see changes that would help Aboriginal people. These issues included education, jobs, health, and housing.
The First Long Walk for Change
In 2004, Michael started a protest walk from Melbourne to Canberra. He wanted to meet with the Prime Minister of Australia. His goal was to talk about the Stolen Generations. After walking for ten days, the Prime Minister agreed to meet him. Michael stopped his walk after covering about half the distance. He said he wanted to challenge the government and make a difference.
This walk became known as "The Long Walk." Now, every year, thousands of people take part in a community walk in Melbourne. It happens before the annual Dreamtime at the 'G football match. The walk starts at Federation Square and ends at the MCG. Michael is the patron of The Long Walk organization. This group works to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous Australians.
The Second Long Walk for the Voice
In August 2023, Michael Long started another long walk. This time, he walked 650-kilometre (400 mi) from Melbourne to Canberra. He did this to support the Australian Indigenous Voice referendum. This referendum was about creating a special group to advise the government on Indigenous matters. Michael finished his walk in 20 days. He arrived at Parliament House in Canberra on September 14. He said that people he met along the way gave him "overwhelming support."
Other Activities and Recognition
In 2011, Michael became an ambassador for a weight-loss program. He did this to help highlight health issues for Indigenous people.
In 2015, he joined the board of the Michael Long Foundation (MLF). The next year, the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre (MLLLC) opened in Darwin. The MLF helps fund education and football programs for Indigenous people. The MLLLC helps young Indigenous people develop their talents and improve their lives.
In 2002, Essendon Football Club named Michael Long as one of their 25 greatest players. He was ranked number 23 on their "Champions of Essendon" list.
In 2021, Michael was given the Medal of the Order of Australia. This award recognized his great service to Australian rules football and to the Indigenous community.
Michael's Personal Life
Michael Long is known for his quick wit and sense of humor. Once, during a serious training session, his coach asked if anyone had a question. Michael, who rarely spoke up, raised his hand. Everyone was quiet, waiting to hear what he would say. Michael simply asked, "What was wrong with the blackboard?"
In 2018, Michael was treated for a serious illness called melioidosis. But even after being sick, he continued his important work. He announced plans for his second Long Walk. He was also honored at the Sir Doug Nicholls Round at Dreamtime at the 'G in 2019.
Honours and Achievements
Team
- 2× AFL premiership player (Essendon): 1993, 2000
- 5× McClelland Trophy (Essendon): 1989, 1993, 1999, 2000, 2001
- 2× NTFL premiership player (St Mary's): 1986–1987, 1987–1988
Individual
- Norm Smith Medal: 1993
- Essendon Captain: 1999
- 2× All-Australian team: 1988, 1995
- State of Origin (Northern Territory): 1988
- State of Origin (QLD/NT): 1993
- Essendon Team of the Century 1896-1997 – Wing
- Australian Football League Indigenous Team of the Century 1904-2003 – Wing
- Northern Territory Team of the Century – Wing
- Australian Football Hall of Fame - 2007 Inductee
- West Torrens Football Club – Best & Fairest: 1988
