By Jon Pierik and Claire Siracusa
Essendon veteran Dyson Heppell says he is “super content” with his decision to retire, but the former skipper has been told he is no guarantee of having a farewell game as the Bombers eye a finals berth.
Heppell, 32, has announced his 14-year, 250-game AFL career is about to end, one in which he has been an All-Australian, Rising Star and best-and-fairest winner.
Dyson Heppell celebrated his 250th game earlier this year.Credit: Getty Images
“I’ve been wrestling with the decision for a number of weeks, and it’s a decision that certainly hasn’t come lightly or been an easy one, but one that I’m super content with,” Heppell said on Tuesday.
“In my own mind, I always wanted to call it a day while I was still playing decent footy and that if it got to a point where we’ve got other boys primed and ready to play my role then I know it’s time. No doubt there’s a little competitive dog part of me that’s in my ear telling me to go one more but after considering all possibilities and having the opportunity to go out on my own terms it just feels like the right call.
“Once it’s all said and done if I’ve managed to have a positive impact on my teammates, coaches, staff and the broader club and, hopefully, I’ve inspired some little tackers to chase their dreams along the way then I say a job well done and if that’s my success, I’ll take it.
“The beauty about this game and this club is that it provides opportunities to meet some incredible people that I’ve fostered great friendships with over the years. There’s too many to name, but I will get to you all in time to say a massive thanks for the impact you’ve had on me.”
However, coach Brad Scott said Heppell was no lock to appear in either of the Bombers’ final two home-and-away games, against Sydney at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, or in Brisbane against the Lions in round 24.
The absence of a concussed Nik Cox could mean there is a spot available for Heppell, but Scott said on Tuesday he was leaning towards a taller option. These options include Sam Weideman and mid-season recruit Saad El-Hawli.
Those were the days: Dyson Heppell as a youngster with the Bombers.Credit: Sebastian Costanzo
“Sydney generally plays three key forwards and a ruck, so we think we need to replace Coxy like-for-like,” Scott said.
“[Heppell] has been really clear that he’s fit, ready, available to help the team in the best way that he can, whether that’s on-field as a player or supporting those who are playing.
“He’ll keep training and preparing at an elite level like he always has, and he’ll be ready if we pick him in our best team. He’s really clear that we pick our best team to win these next two games.”
The tenth-placed Bombers are two premiership points and percentage outside the top eight.
Scott said Jordan Ridley (hip) could return against the Lions next week and would not be rested while the Bombers were still an outside chance of making the finals.
Heppell, who was taken with pick eight in the 2010 draft, was one of the Essendon players who was suspended for the 2016 season over the drugs saga.
He became captain in 2017 upon his return, and remained skipper until handing the reins to Zach Merrett in 2022, and turned down offers from other clubs, including Gold Coast in that year, to stay a one-club player.
“They all say it, but it [career] does go bloody fast. I’m envious of our young boys embarking on your careers. I’d go back there and do it all again if I could. I’m so happy with where the club is at and the culture that we’re building and the bold possibility that we have set, and I wish for nothing more than to see this group strive towards that possibility,” Heppell said.
Club president David Barham paid tribute to Heppell, whom he described as an incredible leader of the Bombers.
“[He] will always be remembered as an Essendon champion,” Barham said.
“He is an Essendon person through and through and has committed his adult life to this football club, our people and all our members and supporters. He leaves an incredible legacy on this club, and we are indebted to him for his strength, resilience, and leadership during his career at the Bombers.
“The No.21 at Essendon will be synonymous with Dyson Heppell.”
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