Collingwood’s Ned Long has been selected in the Smithy's VFL State Team for this Saturday’s clash against South Australia in the AAMI State Game.
The league announced late last year that the VFL’s rivalry against the SANFL would be reignited after eight years, with a clash between the best of the two competitions slated for the AFL's Gather Round weekend.
Long, alongside teammate and Pies Co-captain Sam Glover, was announced in the 50-player squad last month and has today won selection into the final 23.
Having only joined the black and white this season after two years on Hawthorn’s AFL list, the 21-year-old has hit the ground running.
A stunning Club debut against Sandringham in Round One saw him collect 25 disposals and a whopping 17 tackles, before he backed it up with 28 disposals last week against Brisbane.
Glover was unlucky to miss despite also starting the year strongly, however, was deserving of his place in the initial squad after blossoming into one of the side’s clear leaders since arriving in 2019.
VFL Senior Coach Josh Fraser recognised both Long and Glover, saying the pair had worked hard over a long period of time to be rewarded.
“Congratulations to Ned who’s made the final team, you’ve had a big impression so far at the football club,” Fraser said.
“Through the way you train, the example you set and your performances on the weekend, you thoroughly deserve selection.
“Glove, you have been outstanding, and you know how valuable you are to us and it’s great recognition for you to be in the initial squad."
The game will be held at Glenelg’s Stratarama Stadium this Saturday, with Box Hill Hawks coach Zane Littlejohn taking the reins for the game.
Tickets are available for $15 for Adults and $10 for Concession, while all under 18s receive free entry.
The game will kick off at 12:40pm local time and will be broadcast live in Victoria and South Australia on 7mate and 7plus. It will also be available on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
