Essendon VFL best-and-fairest Aaron Heppell hopes for AFL chance
DUAL Essendon VFL best and fairest Aaron Heppell remains hopeful of joining his brother Dyson in the AFL ranks.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
DUAL Essendon VFL best and fairest Aaron Heppell remains hopeful of joining his brother Dyson in the AFL ranks.
The Bombers midfielder finished 39 votes clear of draft prospect Nick Hind to claim his second R.A Freeman Medal on Thursday, while senior-listed on-baller Dylan Clarke was third.
NICK HIND DASHES ONTO DRAFT RADAR OF AFL CLUBS
COUNTRY GEMS BOLSTER ESSENDON’S VFL LIST
FORMER BOMBER TO JOIN ESSENDON VFL COACHING STAFF
The 23-year-old was also recognised with the top award in 2016, when Essendon declared he was “ready for the next step” after a breakout campaign.
Injury limited Heppell to 12 games last year, but he enjoyed a consistent season in 2018.
The younger brother of senior captain Dyson averaged 20 disposals, four clearances and five tackles and was rewarded with selection in the VFL team of the year.
“It’s still there in the back of the head. It would be an absolute dream,” Heppell said when asked of his AFL aspirations.
“I am happy playing the highest standard of footy I can.
“That dream still lingers, but it is getting less and less each year, the reality. I am just trying to play the best footy I can.”
Heppell’s pressure was crucial to the Bombers’ progression to a VFL preliminary final after finishing eighth, producing 26 tackles in three finals against Collingwood, Richmond and Casey Demons.
“In 2016, I was really just finding my feet in the competition,” he said.
“I’d only played about 12 games coming into that year, so I was still trying to establish myself as a footballer.
“This year I was kind of more developed and I could focus more on those finer things. Refining my midfield craft.”
Originally from Leongatha, Heppell has emerged as a key figure for Essendon’s VFL side in the past three years and is one of its most experienced state league players.
“We get a lot of guys that come in that haven’t been part of the TAC Cup system or VFL system before,” he said.
“They are very talented footballers but very raw in terms of being part of the program and the elite development at a VFL level.
“I try to take the young guys under my wing.”
Heppell said he would be “really disappointed” if runner-up Hind, whose speed and outside class has caught the eye of AFL clubs, was not drafted.
“He’s had an outstanding year. He definitely displays heaps of AFL talents,” Heppell said. “You’d be stupid to overlook Hiney, especially late in the draft or as a rookie pick.
“I think he could definitely go in and play some high-quality AFL footy.”
Heppell plans to recommit to Essendon next year, should he not be snapped up by an AFL club.
“I think it is a really exciting time for both the AFL and VFL at Essendon,” he said.
“The AFL is starting to develop themselves as hopefully a dominant side next year.
“We are going to have a lot of very talented players filter back through the VFL system.
“I think we are also establishing a really strong VFL list and any player that comes up to play VFL is ready for the opportunity.”
MORE LOCAL FOOTY
PLUNKETT RETURNS TO FOOTBALL ROOTS IN VAFA
Hill’s hopes to shortcut concussion protocols hits roadblock
AFL Victoria has revealed its verdict on a bid by one of local footy’s best players to avoid missing playing in a grand final by one day. Here’s what we know.
Appeal dismissed: Shepparton’s major grand final setback
Shepparton Bears’ star Luke Smith has had his appeal into a two-match ban heard late today. See the outcome.