Having trained with the Bombers for the past few weeks, and followed them all his life, Jake Long will officially join Essendon as a rookie on Wednesday – the club where his father Michael grew into a champion.
The club confirmed on Monday it would pick the 18-year-old at this week's NAB AFL Rookie Draft, having nominated him under the father-son rookie pre-selection rule.
That gave the Bombers first rights to grab Long should he not be taken in the national draft, and the wiry youngster has prepared for joining the club by training with the senior squad in the past month.
"We're pretty proud of what he (Jake) has achieved," Michael Long said.
"He's just finished year 12 ... to top that off to be rookie listed by the club that's been a big part of my life, it's a proud moment for the family."