#AFL #St Kilda FC

Ben Long’s standout performance against the Giants has been rewarded with a NAB Rising Star nomination.

Long’s 15 disposals, eight tackles and one unforgettable goal saw the 21-year-old get the nod after a drawn-out Round 5.
After four games in his debut season in 2017, Long has played every game this year, improving in each outing before playing a crucial role in the Saints’ draw with the then top-of-the-table Giants.

Long’s bone-jarring tackling and class with the ball in hand shone against the Giants but it was a moment late in the final term that highlighted his true potential.

With the Saints still two goals adrift, Long baulked Phil Davis on the boundary line before bending through a snap from 40m to keep the Saints in the hunt.

Long is the Saints’ first NAB Rising Star nominee since Jade Gresham’s Round 14 nomination in 2016.

                        (Long Celebrating his last quarter goal)