Dyson Heppell to play home game for Leongatha against Wonthaggi
Leongatha is clinging to hope that a favourite son will be available for finals as a rival club sets a cracking pace in flag race.
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Former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell will be 50 per cent of the way to qualifying for Gippsland league finals action with his original club Leongatha when he plays against Wonthaggi in a fortnight.
A “Heppell Homecoming” has been locked in for June 7 after he was a late inclusion for the round 1 away clash against reigning premier Traralgon.
Heppell is playing for VFL club Port Melbourne which has a bye on the King’s Birthday weekend when Leongatha plays Wonthaggi.
His brother Aaron returned to Leongatha after travelling overseas last year.
To qualify for finals, Heppell must play four matches, in a scenario that remains a long shot, according to Leongatha coach Trent McMicking.
“We haven’t shut the door completely, but we know it’s going to be hard,” he said.
“It will all depend on his body and Port Melbourne.
“There is more of a glimmer of hope now because he will have played two games by the middle of June.
“But it’s really touch and go.”
Leongatha has reached its first bye with five wins and one loss with the only defeat coming at the and hands of pacesetter Moe.
Leongatha trailed Moe by only a goal at halftime before being blow away in the second half.
“Moe is out in front a fair way, but the rest of the comp is really even again,” McMicking said.
“They are the best team we’ve played in the four years I’ve been here.
“Everyone is beatable on the day, but they’re going to take some beating that is for sure.
“But ladder-wise, we’re better than where we thought we would be.”
Moe fielded close to its strongest line-up against Leongatha with reigning Trood Award & Rodda Medal winner Riley Baldi back from VFL duties and Mt Eliza premiership player Nathan Scagliarini making his debut.
Frankston VFL captain Tom Murphy has since played for Moe.
Meanwhile, Port Melbourne is playing in Albury on Sunday against Greater Western Sydney which has set up a training base for players from the Ovens & Murray region.
Wangaratta Rovers’ Jace McQuade will make his VFL debut against Port Melbourne and Corowa-Rutherglen recruit Jaiden Butson will play his third match for the Giants.
Former Yarrawonga star Perry Lewis-Smith has also been picked by the Giants.
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Originally published as Dyson Heppell to play home game for Leongatha against Wonthaggi
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