Dyson Heppell to sign two-year contract extension with Essendon
Dyson Heppell is off-contract next year but the Essendon skipper won’t be joining the free agency pool with a new deal to remain at Tullamarine imminent.
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Essendon captain Dyson Heppell is set to waive his free agency options next season and sign a lucrative two-year contract extension.
In a major show of faith in Essendon’s direction, Heppell is expected to formalise an early agreement in the new year, locking in the Bombers’ key on-field leader until 2022.
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It is a crucial and stabilising signature for the Bombers on the back of a turbulent finish to the season dealing with Joe Daniher’s failed trade request to Sydney Swans.
A disappointed Daniher was unable to move north in the October exchange period and is expected to try again as a restricted free agent at the end of next season.
As captain, Heppell, 27, will play a significant role helping maintain the players’ focus on returning to the top eight and breaking through for their first finals win since 2004.
Heppell has shown incredible loyalty to Essendon over his career, last inking a five-year deal in early 2015 despite the devastating fallout of the supplements crisis which cost him a year on the sidelines in 2016.
The left-footer will also again be a key cog in the midfield next year alongside star playmakers Dylan Shiel, Zach Merrett and Andrew McGrath, while Richmond tough nut Jacob Townsend is also on his way from Punt Rd.
Heppell showed courage this year, playing through the pain and restriction of a significant foot injury which required post-season surgery.
The 169-gamer had a problem with the growth plates in his foot which significantly inhibited his ability to train in the back half of the season.
But the gun midfielder has made good progress at training in recent weeks and will ramp up his work loads after Christmas in a bid to be fit for the Round 1 clash against Fremantle at Marvel Stadium.
The Bombers have the chance to make a fast start next season with three games against non-finalists Fremantle, Sydney and Carlton to start the year.
The two-year deal will mean Heppell will again qualify for unrestricted free agency in 2022 when he can reassess his own situation and the club’s position.
Essendon’s list chief Adrian Dodoro has recently held positive talks with Heppell’s manager, Marty Pask from i50 management, paving way for the new deal.
Heppell will again be one of the club’s highest-paid players in 2020 after finishing fifth in the best and fairest this year despite missing five games late in the season because of the foot injury.
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While the Gippsland product will remain captain for a fourth season next year, there could be changes to the leadership group with popular veterans Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker a chance to replace Daniher and speedster Orazio Fantasia.
Fantasia was courted by Port Adelaide but turned down the Power’s advances in the trade period.
There will also be a key transition in Essendon’s coaches’ box with Rutten set to take over from John Worsfold as the main in charge of match day tactics and game plan for next year.
Richmond assistant coach and former Bomber Blake Caracella was poached to support Rutten and help sharpen the Bombers’ ball movement for 2020.
Originally published as Dyson Heppell to sign two-year contract extension with Essendon
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