Dyson Heppell talks about the new batch of Baby Bombers
Former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell has declared the Bombers young list has an exciting future with Nate Caddy winning the ultimate praise from his former teammate.
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Former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell has declared the “sky’s the limit” for young forward Nate Caddy as he backs the rising star to help propel the Bombers into the future.
Caddy won huge praise across the AFL industry for his performance in the loss to Brisbane last week, kicking one of the goals of the year with a stunning kick over his head.
Heppell’s final season of AFL footy in 2024 was Caddy’s first on the Bombers’ list and the retired Don said he was impressed by what he saw.
“There’s no surprise there (in his rise),” Heppell said.
“The bloke’s a star. He’s young and raw just having fun with his footy.
“The sky’s the limit for that bloke. He’s got crazy amount of talent.”
Heading into Sunday’s huge clash with traditional rivals Carlton, the Bombers hold a 6-5 record despite fielding one of the teams in the competition in recent weeks.
Coach Brad Scott has already blooded seven debutants and played eight players under the age of 21, including four of the six picks taken in last year’s draft.
Of those who have played all 11 games this season, four are either 21 or under.
“That’s what you love to see, you love to see the young guys having a crack and try to play as consistent footy as they can,” Heppell said.
“It’s an exciting brand they are starting to play.
“They have some talent in the team.”
“Just building that cohesion and chemistry together over the next few years I think the team is going to be in really good stead.”
Heppell is now hopeful his former club can continue developing and push towards being a contender in coming years including winning a final, a feat he never achieved in his career.
“They always had the makings of the talent on the list,” he said.
“It was all about keeping guys fit, fresh and firing on the park, which has been the challenge over the past few years.”
Originally published as Dyson Heppell talks about the new batch of Baby Bombers
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