Long-term fears as West Coast youngster Noah Long goes down with suspected knee injury

Luckless West Coast youngster Noah Long has been helped from the ground with a knee injury during the last quarter of his side’s match simulation against Fremantle.

The highly rated 21-year-old has managed just 17 games over the past two AFL seasons after a complex knee injury wiped out most of his 2024 season.

Looking to cement his place in the side ahead of Round 1 next month, Long had been impressive against the Dockers on Saturday until going down late in the final term.

The small forward was on the ground for several minutes before eventually limping off the ground in the hands of trainers.

“He’s in significant discomfort, Noah Long,” Adam Papalia said on commentary.

“We really hope that it’s not significant as it perhaps seems straight away.

“You just have to think what’s going through his head right now.

“He’s trying to get himself fit, up and about, get a spot in this Eagles side this year after such a wretched run over the last couple of seasons.

“Long goes across the boundary line now. A really tough situation for the young Eagle.”

West Coast premiership player Will Schofield added: “Thoughts are with him.”

He was taken into the rooms and was not seen for the remainder of the game.