Ben Long signs to 2022

[kosifantutti]

http://www.saints.com.au/news/2019-03-1 ... -long-haul

[Myron Gaines]

Fantastic news, best of the pre season.

[stonecold]

Another talented player committed to the Saints for the long-term, despite rival interest, good to see so many players believing in the clubs further, unlike some so-called supporters/experts on here!!!!!

Well done Ben!!!!!

[guitars4]

At last some good new's well done Ben you have made my day

[saintbrat]

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/it- ... 515jp.html

But it also says something about Long and the type of character he is, as he didn't hesitate to remain with the club that gave him his chance when they drafted him as a 19-year-old at pick 25 in the 2016 national draft.

"It's a good environment. The players and the people that are here are awesome and they have been very welcoming to me and I am just happy to be here," Long said.

Two trips back to the Tiwi Islands with his teammates and coach Alan Richardson in the past two seasons also made a difference to Long as they showed him how much the club cared.

"Seeing where my family comes from and where I come from is quite special," Long said.

[Tyrian Loinstar]

Great news to have Ben Long on board for another 3 years.
Good work Sainters!

[Vazelos]

Saintsational news!!

Love Longy he is a beauty.

Another young talent resigning long term only Billings left!!!

[bigred]

Eat a big fat one Essendon.

Bunch of flogs.

[gone fission]

Decent contract for someone who hasn't really done anything yet.

[lewdogs]

Absolute gun player. This is fantastic news.

[Gershwin]

Decent contract for someone who hasn't really done anything yet.

Agree. Need him to step up this year.

[Tyrian Loinstar]

Hey peeps.
Great news Longy is on board for another 3 years

[evertonfc]

Decent contract for someone who hasn't really done anything yet.

Agree. Need him to step up this year.

Yep. One goal nearly turned Sam Gilbert into a forward.

One flash goal has earned Ben Long a three-year deal.

That said, he has trade value, and is coveted, so I'm happy to keep him and develop him. So much hype around him on this forum - genuinely hope that he turns those flashes into consistent performances.

[DJ Higgins]

Tough critics. Firstly Ben long will not be on huge money so nit to fussed from a financial aspect. Secondly he has played while exhausted his first season and then got injured in his next and still managed to stand out. Not amazing but did some great things.
Now he is fit as and hopefully injury free.
Being realistic we will not have. Lot to cheer for this year but I am expecting the pair of Parker and long will give weekly highlights so it will draw in some crowds.

Only a few sleeps now. Pumped

[mad saint guy]

I was pleasantly surprised at what Long brought to the table in his senior games last year but he definitely has a long way to go (no pun intended). At this point he's a small forward who has played 14 games for 7 goals and averages 11 disposals and 3 tackles per game. Not a world beater, but I do like his mongrel. The concern is that he seems quite injury prone and then there's the fact that he's never been a standout player for any significant period of time.

With all that said, I do have him in our current best 22. I'd select Billings and Gresham as the silky small forwards who push into the midfield, Kent as the reliable 15 disposal, 1.5 goal per game type and Long as the defensive maniac who should register 5+ tackles per game. Parker is close but not quite there yet IMO, Lonie isn't good enough to make up for his physical deficiencies and realistically Young is a mediocre state league player who never should have been selected.

[The Fireman]

pleasing

[silverhalo]

I love watching Longy play.........lots of X factor, tackling machine, pace to burn......one of our very few potential match winners. Not had the best run with injuries, but he will be a gun, fantastic news!