Essendon will have a new captain in 2023 after veteran Dyson Heppell stepped down from the role on Friday.
Heppell has captained the club since returning from his 12-month suspension in 2017 following the Bombers’ infamous supplements scandal, leading the club for 107 matches.
It continues the sweeping changes made across all levels at Essendon following a disastrous 2022 season, with the club to have a new coach, CEO and president for the new season, along with a significantly altered coaching staff.
“As a little tacker, playing AFL footy was a dream, let alone playing for the club I supported and then further to that, becoming the captain of that club,” Heppell told Essendon media.
“Over the past six years, I had enormous pride and respect for my role as captain. Leadership can be a tough caper at times, but it has given me so much joy and has played a big part in my growth as a person, player and teammate.”
New coach Chris Scott said earlier in the month that the decision whether to relinquish the role was Heppell’s to make, and praised the 30-year old for his ‘great commitment’ to the club.
“Dyson has led the club through a difficult time in its long and proud history and has done so with great commitment,” Scott said.
“On behalf of the coaching staff and his fellow players, I thank him for his great service and look forward to working with him as an ongoing valuable contributor to the senior playing group.”
Heppell signed a one-year contract extension at the end of 2022, resisting an offer from Gold Coast.
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Bombers president David Barham praised Heppell for his selfless decision, describing the 213-gamer as the ‘ultimate team man’.
“Not for the first time, Dyson has done what he thinks is in the best interest of the club and the team,” Barham said.
“On behalf of all supporters, thank you for your contribution as captain of our club.
“We all look forward to the next part of your playing career and remain forever grateful for your outstanding contribution to this club.”
Heppell’s vice-captain in 2022 Zach Merrett is expected to take up the captaincy, having stood in as skipper at just 20 years old in 2016 for then-leader Brendon Goddard; while Andrew McGrath, the other member of the club’s leadership group, is also in the running.
Heppell’s resignation follows a spate of similar calls around the AFL, with Adelaide’s Rory Sloane, Brisbane’s Dayne Zorko, Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury, Fremantle’s Nat Fyfe and North Melbourne’s Jack Ziebell all doing likewise this off-season.
With Geelong and Hawthorn captains Joel Selwood and Ben McEvoy retiring at the end of 2022, plus GWS naming Toby Greene as sole captain for this season instead of as co-captain alongside Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly, and nearly half the league’s clubs will have a new man in charge for 2023.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Yeah I think his last few seasons have been cooked but he’s suited to that wing role a lot. I reckon he will be a force to be reckoned with and with Brad Scott simplifying the game plan Heppell will profit from that
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Charlie l feel your underselling his importance personally l feel with him no longer as captain that will free him up mentally & propel his form on the field. If he can have an injury free season that will help your bombers perform & have a tilt for top 8 calculations.Fiction is fun :stoked:
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
I have great respect for Dyson Heppells emotional intelligence which is an under rated aspect of his captaincy. He’s not the typical enforcer type of captain his leadership is more subtle than that but he is in the precarious position of no longer being a walk up starter at Essendon
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Zach Reid has had some injuries as has Harry Jones.
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
One of the fun teams to watch a couple seasons ago. I know Nik Cox missed all but a few after looking awesome as a rookie. Was there other "talented youth" not playing?
Hammond Jeff
Roar Rookie
Heppell as a gallant leader in troubled times. Resigned with dignity but it should help Essendon move forward into a future built around all the talented youth they have recruited. Heppell will still be a valuable player and mentor to the new Captain, probably Merrett. A new President, a new Coach, a new CEO and a new Captain. It really is a clean sweep and should see a more enthusiastic, committed, aggressive and successful Essendon compared to last year.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Great team player Heppell & relinquishing captaincy role he can have some freedom to play & let’s hope for my Bomber mates a injury free year :thumbup: Dogs offered him a contract a few years back but declined offer to stay a Bomber for life got to admire his integrity & admiration for his beloved bombers!