Essendon make huge call on Dyson Heppell after ugly backlash over Brad Scott decision

Retiring Essendon stalwart Dyson Heppell will be given a belated farewell in the Bombers' final game of the season against Brisbane. The former Essendon captain announced his retirement last week but was not selected for a final home game against Sydney.

The Swans all but wrapped up the minor premiership after a second-half masterclass saw them surge to a 15.8 (98) to 8.11 (59) win that ended Essendon's finals hopes. But it was the non-selection of retiring Bombers great that was the major talking point out of that game. After playing more than 250 games for Essendon since making his AFL debut in 2011 and staying loyal through the club's debilitating supplements saga, Bombers fans were hoping to see the club great run out one final time at home before he hangs up the boots.

But Bombers coach Brad Scott didn't pick him and he was instead farewelled pre-game by the Essendon faithful. After the match following fierce backlash, Scott defended the decision not to play him against the Swans. "Dyson has been very, very clear that his decision to retire, a big part of it was he talked to me about when someone has come through and is ready to take his spot and performed that he would know it was time," Scott said.

"We were still in contention, we picked our best team, and that's what we did. That's what everyone would expect us to do."

Decision to deny Dyson Heppell home farewell slammed

But the decision to deny the 32-year-old a final farewell game in front of his home faithful left many supporters and pundits disillusioned with the club. Essendon great Matthew Lloyd said the Bombers have “lost so much respect” since his playing days as he criticised the club’s decision to deny retiring champion Heppell a farewell home game. Lloyd said most if not all Bombers fans would have wanted Heppell to play against the Swans and did not believe the 32-year-old would have “hindered” their performance on the field.

“I think the majority would say that they would have loved to have seen Dyson play tonight, for all that he’s given to the club, and through all the tough times that he’s always been there and stood so strong for his club,” Lloyd told 3AW. “I personally would’ve loved to have seen it, for him, his family, his friends, potentially even a lift for the group, I would’ve loved to have seen it.”

Fellow AFL greats Kane Cornes and David King both agreed that Scott should have given Heppell a proper home send-off. Cornes described his non-selection by the Bombers coach as "madness", while King referenced Heppell's leadership as a reason for honouring him irrespective of the stage of the season.

"Everyone talks about how good a leader he has been and what a great teammate. 250 games, All-Australian, best and fairest. And they had the chance and they bring in Sam Weideman?” King said. I just think, why not give this guy one more on the way out? Give the fans in the Melbourne home base a chance to go and say thank you to Dyson."

Chris Scott confirms Dyson Heppell will play against Lions

On Wednesday, the Bombers confirmed he will suit up for the 253rd and final time at the Gabba - a game that is a dead rubber for the Bombers. The 32-year-old has never played in a finals win across his 14-year career at Essendon but is well respected as a loyal servant of the club. And with the side out of contention for the finals for a third straight season, Scott said Heppell will get the farewell he deserves but defended his decision to not pick him last week.

“Last week was a gut-wrenching decision but the decision is a simple one, you play your best team to try and qualify for finals,” Scott said on Wednesday. “This week, we’re out of contention but there’s also the fact there’s a very clearly defined role for him.

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“I can understand that sentiment is a really big part of our game and Dyson Heppell will go down as a legend of this club and leave an indelible legacy on this place.

“But ultimately, my job is very difficult in that I have to deal with sentiment, but ultimately to get Essendon back to playing and winning finals. That’s what we are trying to do. We won’t let anything staff in the way of that and that includes sentiment”

with agencies