Essendon is one of multiple clubs showing interest in St Kilda’s Ben Long, according to AFL Media’s Mitch Cleary.
Long, who has one year to run on his contract with the Saints, played 15 games in 2021, with four of those as the sub.
The 24-year-old fell out of favour during the year before he was redeployed as a pressure forward late in the season after impressing in defence during the 2020 campaign.
Cleary understands there’s preliminary interest from the Bombers in Long while other clubs have also made inquiries.
“Rival clubs, including Essendon, have started picking up the phone around contracted St Kilda player Ben Long,” he told The AFL Trade Exchange on AFL Trade Radio.
“He’s contracted at the Saints for 2022. Clubs are starting to ask the question of where he sits in the Saints’ plans and where he sees himself in the Saints’ plans.
“He played 15 games this year, four of those came as the sub. He switched from defence to attack late in the year just to get a game, so he’s on the fringe at the Saints.
“A few clubs are starting to ask could he (Long) make us better and would he be open to a move? 12 months remaining on that contract.
“Essendon is one club that has asked the question. He’s uncle Michael Long is a legend of that footy club, as big a name as you’ll find at the Bombers
“I think it’s pretty preliminary interest right now from the Bombers, but a number of clubs are starting to pick up the phone.”
Long has played 60 games since he was selected by the Saints with pick No.25 in the 2016 National Draft.