AFL 2024: Retiring champion Dyson Heppell may not play again for Essendon

Not calling quits on its finals campaign, Essendon is weighing up other options at selection that could sideline Dyson Heppell.

Dyson Heppell is no guarantee of playing again in red and black after announcing he would retire at the season’s end. Picture: Kelly Defina / Getty Images

Essendon coach Brad Scott will not guarantee retiring champion Dyson Heppell a farewell game and says the Bombers will pick “our best team” to finish the season.

The Bombers need to claim upset wins over Sydney and Brisbane and have other results fall their way to qualify for finals, but Scott said players remained “highly motivated” despite intense frustration at the one-point loss to Gold Coast on Saturday night.

Scott said Jordan Ridley (hip) was unlikely to return against the Swans at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, meaning the Bombers would need to turn elsewhere to replace the concussed Nik Cox.

Cox’s absence would potentially create a defensive spot for Heppell to fill and be farewelled by home fans against the Swans, but Scott said he was inclined to pick a taller option.

“Sydney generally plays three key forwards and a ruck, so we think we need to replace Coxy like-for-like,” Scott said.

“(Heppell) has been really clear that he’s fit, ready, available to help the team in the best way that he can, whether that’s on-field as a player or supporting those who are playing.

Essendon champion Dyson Heppell may miss out on a home farewell game at Marvel Stadium against Sydney on Friday night. Picture: Josh Chadwick / Getty Images

“He’ll keep training and preparing at an elite level like he always has, and he’ll be ready if we pick him in our best team. He’s really clear that we pick our best team to win these next two games.”

Sam Weideman and mid-season recruit Saad El-Hawli played in the stronger backline during a match simulation at Tullamarine on Tuesday, while Heppell was on the opposing side.

Weideman, 27, is out of contract at the season’s end but appears ahead of untried tall defender Lewis Hayes in the queue for a spot as he fights to save his AFL career.

Scott said Ridley remained in the frame to play against Brisbane at the Gabba and would not be put in cotton wool while the Bombers’ season remained alive.

“I doubt it will be this week, but he’s pushing to be back and Matt Guelfi’s in that category as well,” Scott said.

“Other than the guys who have been long-term injured, we haven’t put a line through anyone because we’ve got to plan that we’ve got a fair bit of the season left, not just two games.”

The Essendon coach, who has spoken glowingly of Heppell’s character this season, said the former captain had told teammates he did not want to hold younger players in his position back.

In-form key defender Sam Weideman could receive a chance to revive his AFL career after not playing a senior game this season. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

“He did speak to the players about the fact that when he felt some players coming through were ready and able to play his role, he would know it was time to step away,” Scott said.

“It would’ve been very easy for him to put his personal ambition ahead of the club, but that’s the sort of person he is – he’s rare.

“In a lot of ways, it’s frustrating he hasn’t been able to enjoy the team success that he so richly deserves, but his legacy will be incredibly strong in terms of what he’s given this club.”

Scott expected Heppell would pursue opportunities outside of football despite having qualities that he said would make him an excellent coach.

“I suspect he’s got other things on the horizon, and his whole world will open up now in terms of opportunities. I think he might have bigger and broader aspirations than coaching,” he said.

“He’s universally loved at our club and clearly respected. He’s for a long time been the glue that’s held this place together.

“I said to the players that our game, and our clubs, give us more as individuals than we give to the game … I’m a really strong believer in that.

“But if I can think of anyone in football who’s given more to their club and the game than they’ve got from it, it’s Dyson Heppell.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Retiring champion Dyson Heppell may not play again for Essendon