AFL season 2021: All the latest leadership changes at your club
Coach Ben Rutten has wasted no time in unveiling a new-look leadership group for 2021 – and has made a call on Dyson Heppell’s captaincy future.
AFL
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Essendon has added two of the club’s brightest stars to its leadership group for 2021 while confirming Dyson Heppell will captain for a fifth-straight season.
Young 22-year-old ball magnet Andrew McGrath – tipped by some to be the next skipper at Tullamarine – and fellow midfielder Zach Merrett have been named joint vice captains alongside veteran defender Michael Hurley.
Devon Smith, Dylan Shiel and David Zaharakis, who were all part of the Bombers’ leadership group last season, are no longer in formal roles.
Merrett’s inclusion is a positive sign for Essendon after the star onballer was rumoured to be considering exploring a trade during the off-season, despite a formal request never eventuating.
Senior coach Ben Rutten, who will take the reins solo for the first time in 2021 having previously held a joint role alongside John Worsfold, said the appointments were made after consultation with key stakeholders including the playing group and coaching panel.
“Dyson, Michael, Zach and Andy each possess outstanding work ethic, professionalism and commitment to the Essendon Football Club,” Rutten said.
“These players lead by example and are committed to the program’s values, so they are each to be congratulated on this achievement.
“We also commend Dyson in being unanimously endorsed to lead this football club as captain for a fifth year.
“It shows the high regard he is held in by his peers.
“Dyson’s leadership continues to evolve year on year and he leads from the front.
“He nurtures but challenges the playing group, and is incredibly determined to take this group forward.
“We would like to thank David (Zaharakis), Devon (Smith) and Dylan (Shiel) for their contribution in the group last year.
“They’ll each play an important role in building the leadership capabilities of our playing list this season.”