Dyson Heppell certain to return to Essendon in 2017, potentially as captain

DYSON Heppell is certain to return to Essendon next year — potentially as the captain of a rebuilding football club.

AFL Round 21. Gold Coast Suns vs Essendon at Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast. Dyson Heppell celebrates kicking Essendons first goal . Pic: Michael Klein

DYSON Heppell is certain to return to Essendon next year — potentially as the captain of a rebuilding football club.

The young star is contracted until 2020 on a lucrative deal and is hopeful a compensation claim will be resolved out of court before his November return.

But while he met his lawyer early this week to discuss compensation, those close to him rubbished reports of a $1 million legal claim.

Heppell, 24, has never been told of a potential sum in damages he might receive and above the $600,000-plus salary he will be paid by Essendon.

Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell told the Herald Sun on Friday the compensation process was proceeding with good faith.

“Initial discussions between all parties are progressing positively and we expect this process to continue in the coming months,” Campbell said.

Not only does Heppell believe he is young enough to endure several years of rebuilding, he would be prepared to take up a leadership position.

With Jobe Watson’s return up in the air and Brendon Goddard reluctantly accepting the captaincy, Heppell shapes as the perfect 2017 captain.

Watson might still return and Goddard is enjoying his captaincy but Heppell is the clear heir apparent.

He said after signing a five-year deal in 2015: “I would love to lead this footy club.”

Heppell was the vice-captain of Essendon when the leadership group was announced in December, but banned by WADA just a month later.

Dyson Heppell (middle) has been training with his banned teammates. Picture: Hamish Blair

Essendon has consistently said it believes it will be able to resolve compensation claims with all 34 players before they get to court.

A confidante of Heppell said on Friday: “It is unlikely this will ever get to the courtroom. That figure is 100 per cent not right.”

Heppell said recently he wanted all 12 players to return to Essendon next year.

“I want nothing more than all 12 of us to come back and experience that success we all deserve,’’ he said.

Coach John Worsfold says he understands players returning for the 2017 season might still be pushing for compensation and believes it is their right.

Soon after 34 current and former Bombers players were suspended they were advised by the AFLPA to seek independent specialist advice on compensation.

That has resulted in Essendon dealing with several law firms over the claims of different groups of players.

Heppell’s case is being managed by Chris Pollard — who will push for a settlement covering loss of income, loss of reputation and allow for any future health problems.

Slater and Gordon’s Patrick Gordon — son of the Western Bulldogs president and prominent lawyer Peter Gordon — is representing 17 of the players.

Dyson Heppell was named vice-captain to Jobe Watson for 2016 before being banned. Picture: Hamish Blair

Peter Gordon on Friday told the ABC the notion that the “bigger the name, the bigger the claim” was not necessarily correct in the Essendon case.

He said players now outside the AFL system whose livelihoods had been affected by the bans could have the largest claims.

“It may be the case ... that some of those guys have had their career interrupted perhaps permanently (they) might have very, very significant claims,” he said.

Gordon said the status of Watson’s Brownlow Medal could be a major factor in his compensation claim.

“How would anyone value that? It is clearly, in my own opinion, a massive loss. How it will be valued is a really interesting question,” Gordon said.