Essendon captain Dyson Heppell has hit back at critics who slammed his AFL team for failing to draw a line in the sand after being mocked by Sydney’s Luke Parker.
The Bombers (2-7) are under intense pressure after a horror 58-point defeat to the Swans in Heppell’s 200th game left them wallowing in 16th spot on the ladder.
In the scathing fallout, club legend Matthew Lloyd slammed Essendon’s current players for being “walked all over” and “disrespected” by Sydney.
Lloyd was furious the Bombers didn’t respond when Swans star Parker poked fun at Dylan Shiel and the Bombers over their lack of physicality in the contest.
Former club captain Lloyd said he would have “ploughed through” Parker at the next centre bounce to make a point.
Lloyd and an increasing number of critics have also branded the Bombers “too nice” on the field.
“Everyone has their own opinion, that’s fine, but does he want Dylan to plough through someone, give away a free kick, give away a 50-metre penalty and another goal?” Heppell told Fox Footy on Monday night.
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“In this day and age, free kicks are given away so quickly.
“The hardness and the firmness and what you’re talking about with being a nice football team, it’s not about giving away free kicks or showing full-blown aggression.
“It’s when the ball’s there to be won, that’s what we want to stand for (and) playing good, quality, tough footy.”
Heppell said he was unaware of Parker’s taunt and hadn’t seen vision of the incident until Monday night.
“By the looks of it, (Shiel’s teammates) all seemed to be oblivious to it,” Heppell said.
“I had no idea it was happening in the moment … but if you’re aware of it in the moment I have no doubt teammates will go straight over and help and support.”
Heppell said he will reinforce the need to support your teammates when they return to the club on Tuesday after two days off.
He also took aim at critics of the perceived “over-celebration” of his 200-game milestone.
Immediately before the Sydney clash, a smiling Heppell embraced family and friends who had lined up either side of the Essendon team as they ran through the banner.
“In a moment like that, I’m going to take the opportunity to be extremely grateful to those that have been there since day dot with me,” Heppell said.
“It has no bearing on the performance whatsoever (and) no one mentions that if we win that game.”
PeteB
Roar Rookie
The line in the sand pfft… the most embarrassing performance by any club in history. Not only did the Hawks come across as thugs, they lost the game by 74 points. A game that should be ridiculed as one of the most embarrassing for the AFL in history. Imagine having Richie Vandenberg as the captain of your club… :laughing:
Opps74
Roar Rookie
What's changed from last season for the bombers? Surely the bombers will tank from here...I think any player should be able to celebrate a milestone regardless of how crap your team is going...Bombers recruited above average players in Smith and Shiel...they've chased undersized midfielders...coach in trouble as well...
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Dyson was very angry on The Coach Monday night. He lacks composure - that was clearly evident to me. He’s not captain material, which I suspect is one of the big reasons Essendon are failing at present. He won’t be at the helm next year.
Knackaz
Roar Rookie
Words are fine, Dyson, and I'm sure you're a nice guy. But nice doesn't cut it when it comes to being a Captain of an AFL club, a leader of men, a man respected for his actions rather than his words. Words are just words. Anyone can say words, but it is only actions that count. So when I look across the Essendon list, the only man I see hard enough to be Captain is Sam Draper, which a sad indictment on the list (not on Sam). No wonder they haven't won a final in over 20 years ...
Kane
Roar Rookie
Heppell wouldn't get a game at most clubs let alone captain them, shows where Essendon are at.
Grant Denniston
Guest
Heppell is not a captain's A..E ! Time for change at the Hanger !
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Heppell seems like a nice bloke playing confused this is not a slur on his attitude this is the negative approach of ongoing AFL rule changes that has left players bewildered like a stunned Animal before it becomes collateral damage. Scott & his band of rule alterations need a hard look at where the game is heading. Keeping’s off brand of AFL Suc.s :laughing: