After a long distinguished career with Maryborough, in the Ballarat League, Terry Long was enticed to coach Avoca in 1970.
It was considered a recruiting coup.
Despite his lack of height, 5 feet 10 inches, and weighing only 12 stone, Terry had earned a reputation with Maryborough as a brilliant centre half forward, although with Avoca he played mainly in the centre.
The words `giving up` were not part of his vocabulary.
In 1971 and 1972 he led Avoca into the Grand Final, but on both occasions the team was defeated by Lexton.
He stood down as coach in 1973, but remained as a player to help the club.
For the next three seasons he won the club`s Best & Fairest award.
In 1975, his final year with Avoca, he also won the prestigious Monier Award.
Sadly, he was just one vote short of winning the Lexton League Best & Fairest, which would have been a fitting finale to a brilliant career.
On and off the field, Terry Long was an inspiration, and as long as there is a football club at Avoca Terry will always be welcome, and recognised as one of its champions… a classic example of the real Bush Hero.
