Hawthorn has selected Ned Long with Pick 5 in the 2021 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

A strong-bodied midfielder with great endurance who also loves a goal, Long was one of the most damaging players in the NAB League before injury cut his season short.

The on-baller’s form at the start of the year was impressive and in his three games of NAB League, averaging 22 disposals and over two goals per game - with two games of three goals each.

Long’s endurance is at a high level, highlighted with his 2km time of 6:05 and a 21.6 Yo-Yo test score back in 2020.

Long has a strong relationship with the Hawks’ top pick of the national draft Josh Ward, attending Melbourne Grammar alongside Ward as well as playing for the Northern Knights in the NAB League with him.

The 18-year-old Long rounds out the Hawks final selection across the national and rookie draft periods, with the Hawks’ swag of pick-ups also including Ward, Sam Butler, Connor MacDonald and Jai Serong.

Stay tuned for more draft news via hawthornfc.com.au.