St Mary’s young gun defender Jacob Long still believes his team can win NTFL title ahead of elimination semi-final v Waratah

ST Mary’s young gun Jacob Long has promised a much better performance from the Green Machine against Waratah in the elimination semi-final at TIO Stadium today.

St Mary’s defender Jacob Long has been very impressive in his second full season at Premier League level. Picture: Glenn Campbell

ST Mary’s young gun Jacob Long has promised a much better performance from the Green Machine against Waratah in the elimination semi-final at TIO Stadium today.

Wanderers had more intensity from the opening bounce in last Saturday’s qualifying final, upsetting the team which finished the regular season in second spot by 20 points.

The Eagles led at every change.

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But pacy defender Long said his team would not be sluggish out of the blocks against the Warriors.

“Last weekend was disappointing. We can do way better than that,” the 18-year-old sensation told the NT News.

“They were quicker than us but we’ll learn from our mistakes.

“I believe we can go all the way this season.”

Long also isn’t expecting an in-form Waratah outfit to do his team any favours, with the Warriors desperate to reward long-suffering fans of the red-and-white outfit and move to within one week of the 2020-21 NTFL Grand Final.

“Tahs are very strong with a great midfield and a lot of talented players,” Long said.

Despite respecting today’s opponents, Long – in his second full season of Premier League football – possesses enough personal belief to know he can help nullify a potent Tahs half-forward line.

“Going from junior to senior football has been a big change, but I feel like I’ve adapted well,” he said.

“And being at Saints is not just about the footy. It’s about becoming a better person, too.

“I work with Larrakia Nation and the youth at Don Dale Youth Detention Centre.

“I want kids to look up to me.”

Long certainly has good role models to look up to in his family, including premiership-winning older brother Jack, and father John who is a Saints legend.

St Mary’s coach Anthony ‘Chopper’ Vallejo has also had a lot to do with his development.

“Jack tells me to use my speed and take the game on, and I probably get my speed from Dad,” Long said.

“I went to Casuarina Senior College and Chopper helped me out a lot when I was there.”