The footballing Long family has lost its patriarch with the death of their dad Jack Long Sr
THE footballing Long family lost its patriarch yesterday with the death of Jack Long Sr after a long illness.
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THE footballing Long family lost its patriarch yesterday with the death of Jack Long Sr after a long illness.
A Sea Ranger on his beloved Melville Island in his final years, Jack Long will always be remembered for his association with NTFL club St Mary’s and the exploits of his seven footballing sons.
His son Michael went on to play 190 games with AFL club Essendon, while the other boys gave their hearts and soul to 32-time premiers St Mary’s.
Jack Long’s oldest son Steven remembers his dad as a rough nut on the playing field during a 12-year career in the green and gold Saints jumper.
But Steven said his dad was a big cuddly bear off it where he loved his family, close friends, St Mary’s and everyone he came into contact with.
“That’s what dad was about, he loved life and everything that came with it,’’ Steven told the NT News last night.
“He was our dad and he never, ever let us down, he did everything for us.
“Remember he came to Darwin when he was three-year-old from Ti Tree and made us a home in Darwin with mum.
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“The Tiwi Islands became the family’s home and it’s where dad taught us everything about life, respect for other people and how to win and lose in sport.
“He was a very loving and caring person who played his sport hard and was the perfect gentleman off it.’’
Steven said his dad loved all of his children and his grandkids and was always on hand to watch and encourage them in their endeavours in life and sporting achievements.
“Dad was a person you always looked up to, he did not demand anything but he got a lot of love back and we will all miss him dearly,’’ he added.
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