MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Ben Long of the Saints celebrates during the 2019 AFL round 19 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium on July 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Essendon are understood to be among several clubs expressing interest in fringe Saint Ben Long.
According to AFL.com.au's Mitch Cleary, a number of Victorian rivals have Long in their sights, despite the 24-year-old being contracted until the end of next season.
Long signed a three-year deal with St Kilda in March, 2019 - securing his services to the Moorabbin club until 2022.
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As per Cleary's report, Long is looking to continue fighting for a place in Brett Ratten's side after playing just 15 matches this season, four of which coming as a medical sub.
Long has played 60 games in the red, white and black since making his debut in 2017 after being recruited as a forward.
The nephew of Bombers great Michael Long, Ben has previously been on Essendon's radar, with the Demons also linked to Darwin product in the past.
Since Ratten's arrival, Long has found greater exposure in defence, looking to add explosive attack out of the Saints' backline.
The Bombers are set to gain Adelaide defender Jake Kelly via free agency this off-season, while coach Ben Rutten may also look to bolster his key-forward stocks.