Essendon veteran Dyson Heppell needs to mentor the AFL membership’s subsequent captain whereas he’s nonetheless taking part in however is uncertain when he’ll hand over the reins.
Heppell, who signed a one-year contract extension in September, has led the Bombers for six seasons since inheriting the captaincy from Jobe Watson.
But the 30-year-old isn’t any certainty to proceed on as skipper subsequent season.
New coach Brad Scott indicated this week it might take till the top of February for Essendon to choose the make-up of their management group.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as skipper but I’m not tied to the role at all,” Heppell advised reporters on Thursday.
“If the group and the club feel that there’s someone else that’s better off to lead the group going forward, then I’m more than happy to step down and hand the reins over.”
Zach Merrett and Andrew McGrath are among the many main contenders to succeed Heppell, having served below him in a three-man management group in 2022.
Heppell spent his first season as captain taking part in alongside Watson, earlier than the latter retired on the finish of 2017.
The 213-game veteran needs to supply related steerage for his successor.
“I want to be there still while the next captain comes through to help mentor, help guide and develop them as well,” Heppell stated.
“We’ll see how it all plays out over the next couple of months.
“We’re in no rush to make that decision however there is definitely some actually sturdy leaders that’ll be able to take the reins.”
Heppell is injury-free at the start of pre-season for the first time in several years and hopes a strong summer can set him up for a big 2023 campaign.
The veteran weighed up interest from Gold Coast this year before returning to Essendon, where he will enter a 13th AFL season.
“The primary factor was what the membership truly means to me and what it is achieved for my life,” Heppell stated.
“It’s such an enormous a part of my life and I’m actually comfortable that it is panned out this fashion and I can end my profession on the Bombers.”
