Long's former teammate Tim Watson hosted the Celebration evening that paid tribute to one of Essendon’s greatest players. A video tribute told the story of a young boy growing up in a family of nine children who just loved football and the journey he undertook to become one of the league's most exciting players. Essendon chairman Graeme McMahon acknowledged Long’s enormous contribution to the Essendon Football Club over his 14-year involvement and also the hurdles, including two knee reconstructions, that he overcame to be one of the game's superstars.
Guests enjoyed another video tribute highlighting Long's playing career, particularly his two premierships in 1993 and 2000. Bomber chief executive Peter Jackson then spoke about Long's passion and dedication to the game and thanked him for the great football memories. Aboriginal artists Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter followed Jackson's speech and performed two musical numbers. An all-star line-up continued after the interval, with the Honorable Peter Costello, thanking Long, on behalf of the wider community, for his contribution to the game and the racial issues he has dealt with over the course of his football career.
The highlight of the evening was the players and coaches tribute to Longy. They put together a series of musical acts and one of the standout acts was the three Italian Bomber boys like you have never seen them before. Steve Alessio, Mark Mercuri and Joe Misiti were the three tenors and dedicated their song Nassun Dorma to Longy. Alessio (Pavaroti) was so entrenched in song, he lost his moustache and beard at one stage. Sean Wellman and his Irish dancers (eight players) also stole the show when they performed a number from Lord of the Dance. Wellman was superb as Michael Flatley and danced around the stage with the same dedication as running down the wing of the MCG.
Guests were treated to seeing the Bomber coaches like they had never seen them before. Kevin Sheedy and assistant coaches Mark Harvey and Terry Daniher dressed in traditional Aboriginal Corroboree outfits, performed to Yothi Yindi's hit - Treaty Now. Just when the audience thought the night could not get any funnier, skipper James Hird appeared on stage as Maria Von Trapp with the Von Trapp children (six players) from the Sound of Music. They danced and sung to ""Doe Rae Me."" The players and coaches concluded their entertaining segment with a song they had written dedicated to Long.
Coodeabeen Champions star Greg Champion performed a tribute song to Long and then the audience were treated to video tributes from some of Long's special friends that could not be there on the night - including Andre Agassi, Steve Bracks, Wayne Jackson, Slim Dusty and Cathy Freeman. A panel of Long's closest friends and family - Kevin Sheedy, Dean Wallis, Simon Madden, director Beverly Knight and father Jack and brother Stephen - sat around a camp fire and discussed the funny side of Long's football career. Madden told the story when Long first came to Windy Hill he was a man of few words, however he did manage to continually say it was cold. Madden told how Long would spend every waking moment in the sauna to keep warm.
The marathon night concluded with Long thanking his family, friends, teammates and the Essendon fans for all of their support and encouragement over his 14-year career at Essendon. Students from Penleigh and Essendon Grammar finished the evening with a spectacular dance display and Michael Long and his family congregated on stage to the continued applause of the audience.
Supporters still have a chance to purchase the Michael Long Celebration Commemorative Pin. The collectors pin is great value at only $10 and can be purchased from the Bomber Shop on (03) 9230 0315. The Limited Edition Michael Long Framed Photo Collection is also still available. Only 13 of this special piece of memorabilia were made and you have the opportunity to purchase one for only $695 from the Bomber Shop.
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