New Essendon coach Brad Scott says there’s a “strong likelihood” Dyson Heppell will retain the AFL membership’s captaincy this season.
Heppell has beforehand indicated he’s “not tied” to the function he has held for six years and is eager to mentor the Bombers’ subsequent skipper whereas he’s nonetheless taking part in.
The 30-year-old additionally weighed up choices to go away Essendon on the finish of final season earlier than signing a one-year deal for 2023.
But he has impressed Scott together with his management over a summer season of change at Tullamarine.
The Bombers plan to make a name on the captaincy earlier than a match simulation session with Gold Coast on February 23.
“I couldn’t be more impressed with Dyson Heppell,” Scott mentioned on Friday.
“I’ve admired him from afar for a long period of time and he’s led this club through quite a challenging period in his career.
“He’s been tremendous spectacular and if he needs to proceed as captain, I believe that is what’s going to occur.”
Scott’s former club North Melbourne appointed new captains last month, believing it was the right time for change at the start of a new era under Alastair Clarkson.
But Scott, who took over at Essendon last September following Ben Rutten’s sacking, doesn’t believe a new skipper is necessary at the Bombers.
He said players will have a big say in selecting their leaders and is open to the possibility of co-captains being appointed.
“There are a heap of alternatives for us when it comes to setting the scene for what we need to seem like going ahead,” Scott mentioned.
“Potentially there’s a possibility to refresh just a few issues however when it comes to our management, I’ve are available with a very open thoughts.
“We’ve been so impressed with our senior players and the way they’ve led this pre-season, and we’ve got a really good crop of young guys coming through.”
Essendon have near a totally match record and can take “upwards of 35 players” to Queensland for the hit-out with the Suns.
James Stewart (foot), Zach Reid (again), Matt Guelfi (calf), Nik Cox (again) and No.5 draft choose Elijah Tsatas (knee) have all been dominated out.
But match-winner Jake Stringer is “pain free” and accessible after overcoming groin points that plagued him final season.
Best-and-fairest winner Peter Wright had a calf harm however can be more likely to play in opposition to Gold Coast.
Stringer and Wright each skilled with the primary group on Friday in Bendigo, the place the Bombers have been on a group camp this week.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
