Essendon has promoted Jake Long to its senior list for the remainder of the season.
A spot opened up for the 21 year old rookie when Jackson Merrett was placed on the long term injury list last week.
Long played three senior matches last year and has averaged 15 disposals, four marks and three tackles across his 15 games in the VFL this season.
“Jake has been in really good form at VFL level and he was very good against Footscray again on the weekend,” Essendon’s General Manager of Football Rob Kerr said.
“Unfortunately Jake received a three game suspension so he won’t actually be available for us until midway through the finals series, provided both the VFL and AFL sides progress.
“Given Josh Green is out for the season and Orazio Fantasia is coming back from injury, we just wanted to ensure we have all bases covered should we progress to deep into the finals.
“That required promoting Jake now and he’ll work hard to maintain his form and fitness so he’s ready to go if a spot opens up in a few weeks time."
