Dyson Heppell announcement stuns Essendon on eve of AFL season
The Essendon captain stunned his teammates on Friday morning.
Essendon captain Dyson Heppell has made the surprise decision to stand down as captain after six years in the role. Heppell shocked his teammates the decision on Friday morning, which continues the changing of the guard at the Bombers for 2023.
Essendon will now have a new captain, coach, chief executive, president, high-performance manager and board member for the upcoming season. Heppell's announcement came as a surprise given it was only last week that new coach Brad Scott said there was a strong likelihood the 30-year-old would remain as captain.
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Early calls are for three-time best-and-fairest winner Zach Merrett to replace Heppell as captain, with Mason Redman and Andrew McGrath viewed as the other main candidates. On the team website, Heppell thanked the club for allowing him to fulfil a dream and leading his boyhood team for six seasons.
"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 said. 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.
“I owe an enormous amount of gratitude and thanks to the various players and playing groups, coaches, staff and Board members for backing me in over the years as well as our loyal fans and members.”
AFL world reacts to Dyson Heppell news
Heppell was only 20 years old when he was first named in the Bombers' leadership group in 2013. In 2016 he was appointed vice-captain and in 2017 he succeeded Jobe Watson as captain.
The 30-year-old has captained Essendon in 107 matches, placing him fifth on Essendon's all-time list for games captained. Dick Reynolds (224 games) and James Hird (158) headline that list.
The AFL world was quick to sing Heppell's praises for his role in leading Essendon for six tough years. Many appreciated Heppell's leadership through the club's difficult times.
Dyson Heppell’s dedication to @essendonfc and his captaincy cannot be faulted.
Will no doubt continue to be an important leader for this young group for a while yet.
Would love to see Merrett take the role for 2023.— Shane McInnes (@shanemcinnes) February 17, 2023
New captain added to new coach, CEO, president, board members, high performance staff & development coaches at Essendon as Dyson Heppell stands down as skipper after six years. Bombers to appoint new skipper next week, Zach Merrett the obvious leading candidate for Dons' new era.
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) February 17, 2023
As skipper thank you @DysonHeppell for all the time you gave up to all the @essendonfc fans (photos, autographs, supporting great causes etc) it’s something that didn’t go unnoticed 🔴⚫️ #godons pic.twitter.com/6DMzNmqLEg
— Franc Vescio 🤟🏻 (@bomberfranc) February 17, 2023
Bittersweet creating this.
Hope its done @DysonHeppell's captaincy justice! https://t.co/ADU8oK3jYm— Ben Lawson (@LenBawson) February 17, 2023
Dyson Heppell is an incredible bloke. I think he’s made the right call stepping down. Good on him!
— Michael Moro (@michaelmoro26) February 17, 2023
I’m neither happy nor sad, I think I’m more glad. Glad that the coach & players stood by Dyson the last couple of weeks & glad that he got to step down on his own terms. Been a great champion & leader of this great club. @DysonHeppell Thanks Mate. Good luck this year 🔴⚫️ #GoDons
— Craig McGill 🟥⬛️ (@CraiG_Mc) February 17, 2023
With Dyson Heppell today stepping down as Essendon captain, this now means a staggering 10 captains have stepped down at 9 clubs. Feels like the whole league is in a big transitional phase.@sirswampthing Is this the highest turnover of captains we've seen?
— Sam Cohen (@SamCohen81) February 17, 2023
President Dave Barham also thanked Heppell for his time and labelled him the 'ultimate team man'. “Dyson Heppell is 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.”
Essendon will announce their new captain and leadership group over the next week. Merrett looms as the standout candidate for the captaincy, with the 27-year-old among the best midfielders in the competition.
with AAP
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