Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The AFL king has passed; long live the king. The life of Jack Long was celebrated at Gardens Oval last week. Jack Long is the patriarch of the famous AFL footballing family the Long family. As well as being Michael Long's father, he's the grandfather of four-time premiership winner and Norm Smith medallist, Cyril Rioli; St Kilda player Ben Long; and Essendon player Jack Long. There were about 500 mourners gathered at Gardens Oval, the spiritual home of AFL up in Darwin, to celebrate the life of Jack Long. Tony Shaw gave the eulogy and spoke about a great hunter. He was born in Ti Tree but was then removed to a mission on Melville Island. Jack Long knew every single inch of the Tiwi Islands. He played football there. He hunted crocodiles there, which he sold to be able to get over and play football for his beloved St Mary's Football Club. I have the green and gold tie on for St Mary's today and for Jack and his wonderful family. May he rest in peace.