How Collingwood will benefit from Seahawks partnership

Collingwood recently announced a strategic partnership with reigning Super Bowl champions Seattle Seahawks.

But how will this relationship help the Magpies grow?

Emerging Pies midfielder Ned Long revealed that the Seahawks may be looking to follow the 49ers and Rams in playing an NFL game in Melbourne across the coming years.

And if that happens, the Magpie Army will be able to get involved with that potential Seahawks game in Melbourne.

There will also be plenty of learning available for Collingwood’s staff and coaches from the historic partnership.

“They were talking about it in the announcement, depending on how things go, there should be another (NFL) game in Melbourne in the coming years, and (Seattle) want to be a part of that,” Long revealed on SEN’s The Run Home.

“So, potentially some fan engagement where our Magpie Army can get involved.

“We've got a strategy team that are looking at a few different big, key pillar ideas of what we want to improve as a club, long-term. And one of those is fan engagement.

“And then there's a lot of learning that we can do from a club staff and coaches perspective.”

Reflecting on his own playing career, the former Hawk attributed his success at the Pies to the environment the club provides.

“I don't know if anything's flipped. I think it's just continually working at the things in my game that I want to get better at,” Long said.

“Just over time, I think that I've grown in a few areas but definitely have a long way to go.

“But I think just coming to an environment (like Collingwood's), that's really helped me thrive; I'm feeling good and learning a lot off some of our coaches and other players. I think that has helped me set me up to succeed.”

Collingwood aim to contend for the flag each year – and that is something the 23-year-old loves about his club - who has taken inspiration from Geelong who are yet again in the finals mix.

“I think it's massive (to play for Collingwood),” exclaimed the midfielder.

“Every player goes into every season, every game, wanting to win. I think when you have that direction coming from the top down, it sets a really good platform for everyone.

“You look at Geelong as a great example, a team who's been able to sustain success for a long period of time without bottoming out.

“I love being a part of it.”

With the AFL Grand Final right around the corner, who does Long believe will win the flag?

The 59-gamer originally thought the Brisbane Lions were going to complete the three-peat, but now he is tipping his former club.

“If I was to give a tip, I was thinking Brisbane were going to look pretty hard to beat, and then you see Sydney on the weekend… I don't know,” stated Long.

“I've got a little soft spot for the Hawks and a few of my boys there. They're in a really good position now.

“I reckon there's a solid chance the winner of that prelim (between Hawthorn and Brisbane or Adelaide) maybe gets it done.

“If I had to give a tip, I'll go the Hawks.”

Listen to Ned Long’s full interview below: