Dyson Heppell has determined to step down from the Essendon captaincy solely days after coach Brad Scott stated the function was his if he wished to maintain it.
The 30-year-old utility, who sat within the captain’s spot for Essendon’s workforce photograph on Tuesday, informed teammates and coaches he can be stepping down on Thursday morning.
Heppell has held the function since 2017 when he succeeded Jobe Watson.
He stated it had been a privilege to captain the membership he grew up supporting.
“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 stated.
“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.”
Essendon president Dave Barham stated the Bombers veteran was the “ultimate team man”.
“Not for the first time, Dyson has done what he thinks is in the best interest of the club and the team,” Barham stated.
“On behalf of all supporters, thank you for your contribution as captain of our club.
“We all look forward to the next part of your playing career and remain forever grateful for your outstanding contribution to this club.”
Last week, Essendon coach Brad Scott stated there was a “strong likelihood” that Heppell would proceed within the function for a seventh yr.
“We’ve said all along that Dyson Heppell is our captain, and that will remain up until we go through our process,” Scott stated.
“I suspect there’s a strong likelihood that will still be the case.
“I’ll have a lot of ongoing discussions with Dyson, but we’ll finalise our process before we play the Gold Coast in some unofficial match sim and then we’ll be in a position to announce that.”
Zach Merrett looms because the frontrunner for the vacant place, however rebounding defenders Andrew McGrath and Mason Redman might additionally put their fingers up for the function.
Merrett (vice-captain) and McGrath (deputy vice-captain) have been the one different members of a three-man Bombers management group in 2022.
Essendon will appoint its new captain and decide on a management group construction for 2023 subsequent week.
Source: www.news.com.au
