Collingwood coach Craig McRae has lauded the story of Magpies midfielder Ned Long, who wasn't even on the club's list this time last year.
12 months ago, Long was with the Magpies' VFL program, having been delisted by Hawthorn the year prior after just five games in two years at Waverley.
The big-bodied midfielder found strong form in the state league scene with Collingwood to earn interest ahead of last year's Mid-Season Draft, with the Magpies' list team among those circling.
The Pies pulled the trigger on offering Long an AFL revival with Pick 19, with Long going on to play seven games in the club's home stretch.
Starting this season, Long was the sub in three of his first four games, struggling to cement his role under McRae.
A breakout Gather Round performance against Sydney, where Long recorded 29 disposals, 17 contested possessions and nine clearances, saw the Northern Knights product strengthen his selection prospects for the following weeks.
Long hasn't looked back since, emerging as a consistent two-way asset in McRae's engine room.
Speaking on the ex-Hawk's latest performance, a 19-disposal outing that included nine tackles, two goal assists, 10 contested possessions and six score involvements against Adelaide, McRae said Long's story is one of love and persistence.
"I thought he was enormous. He was enormous in the third quarter. Just contest to contest, the big body," the Collingwood coach said.
"It's a great story, isn't it? We've got the Mid-Season Draft coming up, and for years we go 'oh there's not much talent out there', but there's guys like him just sitting there waiting to be given another opportunity, believed in, loved and supported.
"Sometimes you gotta believe in some that maybe haven't had that in previous environments.
"So we're rapt to have him. He's an important part of our team right now."
Long has collected at least 18 disposals on six occasions this year, having failed to do so in his 12 prior career appearances.
The 22-year-old was awarded a two-year extension earlier this year, with the deal taking him through to the end of 2027 in the black and white.
