Collingwood recruit Ned Long, one of the most prepared players picked in Wednesday’s AFL Mid-Season Draft, won’t be available for immediate selection due to injury.
The former Hawthorn midfielder might have played early for the senior Magpies, considering Craig McRae’s team currently has 16 players on the injury list and a lack of onballer talent for their Friday clash with the Western Bulldogs.
Long trained with Collingwood over the summer, aiming for a spot at Olympic Park, and has occasionally continued training with the team while playing at VFL level.
Alongside key forward Jack Hutchinson, he was one of two Collingwood VFL players selected in the draft. Collingwood’s recruitment boss expressed excitement for both players but noted Long’s current injury would delay his debut.
“He’s got a little niggle, just a one- or two-week injury, but given our situation, he might have already played,” Hine said. Long is valued for his versatility and readiness, having already played multiple positions.
The Magpies also picked Eastern Ranges ruckman Iliro Smit in the Mid-Season Draft. Smit, an 18-year-old who has overcome past injuries, joins Collingwood’s developing ruck stocks, including Aiden Begg and the uncapped Oscar Steene.
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