Dyson Heppell discusses his new look, Essendon’s pre-season injury list and coaching succession plan
Dyson Heppell has enjoyed the relative anonymity after losing his trademark dreadlocks for a good cause but he was taken aback when someone he knew didn’t recognise him.
Essendon
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If Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell’s son Freddy is any indication, Bombers skipper Dyson Heppell will be not wearing his hand out signing autographs in the coming months.
Since shaving the trademark dreadlocks to help raise money for bushfire relief and recovery efforts, one of the game’s most recognisable stars has been able to revel in “pretty cruisy” anonymity.
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Even young Freddy was a bit thrown out, hiding behind dad Campbell after being approached by Heppell at the Hangar.
“I’ve known him since he was born and we always have a bit of banter and fun at the club and I went to say g’day and he literally hid behind his dad,” Heppell said.
“I had to tell him it was me … and Xavier had to tell him it really is Dyson. It kind of cut me a bit.”
A clean-shaven Heppell is hungry to make a fresh start in 2020, as is Essendon determined to repay the faith shown in it by fans starved of recent success.
Heppell could barely walk last season, let alone train and play properly, battling a recurrence of a genetic foot issue that affects his left leg.
The 27-year-old, who had surgery on his right foot several years back, went under the knife again in the off-season to remedy the problem.
He was not alone in rehab, however, as one of several high-profile Bombers including Joe Daniher, Dylan Shiel, Cale Hooker and Orazio Fantasia to endure interrupted pre-seasons.
History says it is hard making up lost time, refer Melbourne, who went from finalists in 2018 to 17th last season, just two wins clear of the wooden spoon after its own widespread injury crisis.
But Heppell remains upbeat, adamant the setbacks have had a positive effect on the emerging stars.
“It’s obviously not ideal having the bulk of your core group in rehab but what it also did, it allowed the younger players to really lead from the front,” Heppell told the Herald Sun from Essendon’s pre-season camp at Coffs Harbour.
“I reckon that’s probably enhanced their development … like Darcy Parish, Andy McGrath, they’re stepping up to another level, Jordan Ridley, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has really come into his own with his voice and leadership.”
For Heppell, team success is as much mental as it is physical, especially under duress.
“You got to do the best you possibly can, I think it’s getting yourself more mentally prepared for coming back for the rigours of AFL footy,” Heppell said.
“Physically you can do as much as you can, as long as you hit bodies before you get out there you’ll be OK, but the mental caper, backing up week after week does take its toll.
“You got to put as much work physically and mentally in rehab to make sure you’re cherry to go.”
The succession plan between Essendon coach John Worsfold and highly-rated assistant Ben Rutten is another motivating factor, for Heppell and the senior core.
Worsfold has been instrumental helping the club rebuild from the grim and dark 2013 doping scandal, both on and off the field.
“Got an enormous amount of respect in the way Woosha’s handled his time at the club so far,” Heppell said.
“He came in probably at the hardest time you possibly could and did an extraordinary job.
“It would be awesome to put in a really strong season because he’s played a massive part in helping build this culture, and will continue to play a big part this year I guess cementing his stance.”
Rutten’s arrival at Tullamarine has freed up the “super measured” Worsfold to target specific areas, thereby affording Essendon the “best elements” of both coaches.
“You know one thing (with Worsfold) you’re going to get consistency out of him,” Heppell said.
“If we train well or train poorly, he’ll give us feedback as he sees it, he’s honest with it and measured with how he goes about his coaching.
“I think it’s something we can all take a bit of an element from it, with our performances as well, you don’t want to be too up and down, you want to stay as consistent as you possibly can.”
The Worsfold-Rutten handover should also spare the Bombers of any conjecture about job security.
Apart from getting back to play at least one of Essendon’s pre-season matches, Heppell is locked into helping the club’s recruits and draftees get settled in.
The Coffs Harbour camp has been central to that, with senior players rooming with younger teammates to fast-track the bonding process.
Essendon replicated what it would do at the Hangar this week at Coffs – from skills and running sessions to the tailored weights and rehabilitation programs.
Heppell said the team walks and team breakfasts were just as beneficial.
“Things like that you end up chatting to guys you might not hang out with all the time,” Heppell said.
“When you’re at the club you split up in your line groups and what not throughout the day so you’re spending a lot of time with a small group of people.
“At camp you end up mingling with everyone, you get to know blokes on a more personal level as well, it’s not all footy chat, you can delve a bit more on what’s happening outside of footy as well.
“It’s super important to get to know your teammates as best as you possibly can.”