By Peter Ryan
Dyson Heppell will lead the Bombers again in 2022 as he looks to lead Essendon to a drought-breaking finals win in his sixth season as skipper.
The 29-year-old, who is set to play his 200th game this season, will be joined in the leadership group by on-baller Zach Merrett, who has been named vice-captain, and utility Andrew McGrath, who has been named deputy vice-captain.
Dyson Heppell in action during the Bombers’ recent intra-club match.Credit: Getty Images
The three players were in the leadership group last season alongside popular veteran Michael Hurley, who will spend 2022 looking to force his way back into the team as he recovers from a hip infection that ruined his 2021 campaign.
Essendon will play a practice match on Wednesday against the Western Bulldogs with the Bombers’ first pick in last year’s draft, Ben Hobbs, to play alongside Dylan Shiel, Harrison Jones and Kyle Langford who missed last week’s intra-club. Adelaide recruit Jake Kelly has been named to play and Tex Wanganeen and Nick Martin will get another chance to show their wares as they battle for a list spot.
Shiel suffered a minor quad strain at training a fortnight ago. Jake Stringer and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti remain sidelined, and ruckman Andrew Phillips will miss after hurting his adductor in the intra-club.
They will face strong opposition from the Western Bulldogs, with Luke Beveridge playing all but three players who played against Melbourne in last year’s grand final. Only the retired Easton Wood and injured pair Bailey Smith and Alex Keath will miss, with 2020’s No.1 pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and veteran Mitch Wallis part of a 26-man squad.
Recruits Arthur Jones and Robbie McComb have made the team, with Ed Richards and Ryan Gardner to line up as well.
The Bulldogs defeated Essendon in last year’s elimination final as they started their run to the grand final before losing to Melbourne.
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