Foreman by day, football by night
Working 11 hour shifts and rushing to training brings football players back to the old National Soccer League days, but Bonnyrigg White Eagles striker Mitchell Long is living that life now.
The 25-year-old attacker works as a foreman in civil construction during the day before lacing his boots and hitting the training paddock at night.
Despite the long and stressful days, Long remains an integral part of the table topping White Eagles this season.
“I work 10 to 11 hours a day and then rush to training which does get tiring but I love it,’’ Long told Football NSW.
“Being a foreman it does get quite stressful on job sites as well but it’s life.
“I love playing football and I love playing for Bonnyrigg.
“It is the best club I have been involved with, the look after me and I don’t see there being a reason to leaving the club at all.’’
Long has struck a good combination with fellow striker Robbie Younis at the White Eagles which led them to winning last year’s minor premiership.
Roving all over the park has become a weekly tradition for Long and he says he is relishing in the opportunity given to him by coach Brian Brown.
“I’m working as a second striker but in saying that Bomber has given me a bit of a free role to move around where I want,’’ he said.
“I even drop back and help out defence which I don’t mind.
“Growing up I was always a striker but for us at Bonnyrigg it is working well with myself and Robbie with me doing the hard work, being the creator and Robbie finishing off the chances.
“I love scoring goals too but I’m the type of player that if I see a player in a better position to score then I will pass it.
“As long as we are winning games I am happy.’’
Bonnyrigg dominated last season’s competition winning the minor premiership by 15 points but were defeated by the Marconi Stallions in the grand final.
Admitting the club still felt like champions finishing the season on top, Long said they were eager to remain on top of the league this season.
“I think we’ve got a better squad depth wise this season,’’ he said.
“At the same time I think other squads have strengthened and will do quite well.
“Last year we dominated to win the league by a big margin but this year Sutherland and Blacktown City have very strong teams on paper.’’
For now Long will get back to the work sites before returning to the football fields on the weekend when the Bonnyrigg White Eagles face the Marconi Stallions at Marconi Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is at 3pm.
-By Chris Georges