Dyson Heppell has determined to step down from the Essendon captaincy solely days after coach Brad Scott mentioned the function was his if he needed to maintain it.
The 30-year-old utility, who sat within the captain’s spot for Essendon’s workforce photograph on Tuesday, instructed teammates and coaches he can be stepping down on Thursday morning.
Heppell has held the function since 2017 when he succeeded Jobe Watson.
He mentioned it had been a privilege to captain the membership he grew up supporting.
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“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.”
Essendon president Dave Barham mentioned 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 mentioned.
“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 mentioned there was a “strong likelihood” that Heppell would proceed within the function for a seventh 12 months.
“We’ve said all along that Dyson Heppell is our captain, and that will remain up until we go through our process,” Scott mentioned.
“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 may additionally put their arms up for the function.
Merrett (vice-captain) and McGrath (deputy vice-captain) had 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.
Originally revealed as Dyson Heppell relinquishes Essendon captaincy
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
