The AFL wishes to congratulate Essendon champion Michael Long on being recognised with 2019 Australia Day honours in the Northern Territory for his determination to harness the power of Australian Football to create more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.



Announced at a function in Darwin this week, Long was named the 2019 Northern Territory Australian of the Year for using his voice and profile to make a stand against racism and for continuing his tireless work to close the gap between young Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.



Currently the Patron in Chief of the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre (MLLLC) in the Northern Territory, Long’s elite playing history and accolades are well documented; a dual AFL premiership player with Essendon, the 1993 Norm Smith Medallist, a 190-game AFL career and the first Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander player to captain an AFL.



Long’s selection also recognised The Long Walk Foundation’s charity work to increase awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history. The Long Walk started in 2004 when Long trekked 650km from his home in Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra to meet with former Prime Minister John Howard to get Indigenous issues on the national agenda.



AFL Chief Executive Officer, Gillon McLachlan, congratulated Michael Long on receiving the prestigious award.



“Michael is a champion of Australian Football and we congratulate him on being recognised with this honour,” Mr. McLachlan said.



“Michael has long been a leader in our game and played a key role in developing the AFL’s racial and religious vilification policy, a pioneering document for sporting bodies in Australia and all over the world.



“His vision and determination to harness the power of Australian Football to educate and motivate all Australians is inspirational.”



Long is now in the running to be named the 2019 Australian of the Year to be announced at a function in Canberra next year on Australia Day Eve.