The altering of the guard at Essendon continues with Dyson Heppell making the shock determination to face down as captain after six years within the position.
Heppell informed his teammates and coaches of his determination on Friday morning, which means Essendon will enter the 2023 season with a brand new captain, coach, chief govt, president, high-performance supervisor and board members.
Three-time best-and-fairest winner Zach Merrett is the early favorite to switch Heppell as captain, with Mason Redman and Andrew McGrath seen as the opposite most important candidates.
Heppell’s announcement got here as a shock given it was solely final week that new coach Brad Scott mentioned there was a robust probability the 30-year-old would stay as captain.
Heppell was solely 20 years previous when he was first named within the Bombers’ management group in 2013.
In 2016 he was appointed vice-captain and in 2017 he succeeded Jobe Watson as captain.
Heppell has skippered Essendon in 107 matches, inserting him fifth on Essendon’s all-time listing for video games captained.
Dick Reynolds (224 video games) and James Hird (158) headline that listing.
“As a little tacker, playing AFL footy was a dream, let alone playing for the club I supported and then further to that becoming the captain of that club,” Heppell mentioned.
“Over the past six years, I had enormous pride and respect for my role as captain.
“Leadership can be a tough caper at times, but it has given me so much joy and has played a big part in my growth as a person, player and teammate.”
Scott counseled Heppell’s selflessness.
“He has led the club through a difficult time in its long and proud history and has done so with great commitment,” Scott mentioned.
Essendon will announce their new captain and management group over the subsequent week.
Merrett looms because the standout candidate for the captaincy, with the 27-year-old among the many finest midfielders within the competitors.
He was Heppell’s deputy final season and produced one other dazzling marketing campaign that resulted in him ending runner-up within the membership’s finest and fairest vote.
ESSENDON’S LONGEST SERVING CAPTAINS:
*Dick Reynolds – 224 video games
*James Hird – 158
*Terry Daniher – 127
*Bill Hutchison – 121
*Jack Clarke – 121
*Dyson Heppell – 107
*Jobe Watson – 106
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
