Family is an important part of Michael Long’s life. He has two children – Jake and Michaela – with long-time partner Leslie Turner. Now that his playing days are over, Long was hoping to spend more time with his young family, however has found this not to be the case. “I actually thought I would spend more time with my family since I hung up the boots, but it is actually less. With doing a few roles at the club, it has been hard,” Long said.

Q. How old is your son Jake now - have we got someone to look forward to under the father and son rule?
A. Jake is six. He has just started Auskick and he enjoys that. I think he just loves being out there with the kids and running around and kicking the football. We didn't put him in Auskick last year - he did swimming last year because we thought that was important. This year he has jumped at the chance to be out there with his friends.

Q. Is he a left foot or a right foot kick?A. Both feet.

Q. Like his dad?
A. Well I have always had the both feet but never used the right one.

Q. It was a rarity using the right foot - was it just too easy on the left?
A. Only in emergencies.

Q. Speaking about father / son - did your father Jack play much footy?
A. He actually played and coached. He played over 300 games for St. Mary's. He played for a number of years and was one of those players who was very hard and very loyal to the St. Mary's football club. We all played for St. Mary's football club and you couldn't play for anyone else other than that club. My father is probably a bit of a legend up there in that league and with the St.Mary's football club. Having six other brothers that played - I just followed in their footsteps.

Q. Where did they play - the forward half or the back half, or were they spread everywhere?
A. Half forward, centre line, forward line and backline - everywhere. Sometimes we would all just pass to one another - keepings off!

Q. Did all six ever get in the best players in the one match?
A. Look they only pick the best three and obviously I was the top one. We played together in two games and we lost both the games.

Q. Is that because you were just kicking it to one another and not everyone else?
A. It was a finals game - so it was good to play with all of my brothers. Long kicks to Long and Long marks from Long and then Long kicks long. To play in a side with all of my brothers was fantastic. Everyone of them had their own individual talents.

Q. Could any of your brothers played AFL?
A. Each of them had their own talent in each way. I think given they had the opportunity, I have no doubt my brothers would have been a chance.