Essendon are understood to be among several clubs expressing interest in fringe Saint Ben Long.

According toย AFL.com.au'sย Mitch Cleary, a number of Victorian rivals have Long in their sights, despite the 24-year-old being contracted until the end of next season.

Long signed a three-year deal with St Kilda in March, 2019 - securing his services to the Moorabbin club until 2022.

BEN LONG
Defender
St Kilda
2021 SEASON AVG
9.6
Disposals
3.5
Marks
1.1
Rebound50s

As per Cleary's report, Long is looking to continue fighting for a place in Brett Ratten's side after playing just 15 matches this season, four of which coming as a medical sub.

Long has played 60 games in the red, white and black since making his debut in 2017 after being recruited as a forward.

The nephew of Bombers great Michael Long, Ben has previously been on Essendon's radar, with the Demons also linked to Darwin product in the past.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 6: Ben Long of the Saints celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round seven match between the St Kilda Saints and the Melbourne Demons at Etihad Stadium on May 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Since Ratten's arrival, Long has found greater exposure in defence, looking to add explosive attack out of the Saints' backline.

The Bombers are set to gain Adelaide defender Jake Kelly via free agency this off-season, while coach Ben Rutten may also look to bolster his key-forward stocks.