On the eve of his 250th game, Dyson Heppell, the steadfast Essendon veteran, reflects on his 14-year journey with the Bombers. Despite receiving significant offers from rival clubs during the infamous supplements saga, Heppell chose to remain loyal to Essendon. He now looks back on his decision with pride and gratitude.
In 2016, amidst the fallout of the supplements saga and facing an anti-doping ban, Heppell was among the first to recommit to the club. Despite the lucrative offers and interest from other teams, Heppell stayed true to his roots. He explains, “There were numerous opportunities to explore other avenues, but I never really delved into it. I was an Essendon person through and through, and I had formed so many amazing relationships here. I wanted to see what we could achieve together and hopefully find some success.”
Heppell’s career started with a bang, earning him the 2011 AFL Rising Star award and seeing him become a best and fairest winner, as well as an All-Australian in 2014. Over the years, his consistency and dedication have been evident, with top-three finishes in Essendon’s best and fairest count across multiple seasons. The exception was 2016, a challenging year out of the game. However, Heppell views that period as a time of growth and resilience, not regret. “It was very challenging, but I learned a lot about myself and built strong mental resolve. I moved on and forgave quickly, which helped me grow stronger and form deep bonds with my teammates.”
Now, as Heppell prepares for his milestone game against Geelong, he reflects on his journey and the support he’s received. He feels immense pride in becoming the 15th player in Essendon’s 150-year history to reach 250 games. He acknowledges the significance of this achievement, saying, “The love and support from the Essendon faithful and the broader footy community have been very special. It’s a reflection of the rich history and the amazing characters that have been part of this club.”
Heppell credits coach Brad Scott for helping extend his time at the club. Scott instilled a strong belief in him, reinforcing the idea that his best footy was still ahead. This support gave Heppell the confidence to continue pushing himself. Despite facing foot and ankle injuries that threatened his career, Heppell’s determination and positive outlook saw him through tough times. “There were some tough moments with injuries, but I kept a positive outlook and eventually turned a corner. The sweetness of returning to play and realizing how much I love the game made it all worthwhile.”
Looking back, Heppell also appreciates the lessons in consistency he has learned over the years. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and smart recovery, which have allowed him to perform consistently. His optimistic approach, shaped by his upbringing and personal experiences, has been a guiding force throughout his career. As he celebrates this milestone, Heppell remains focused on the future, eager to continue contributing to Essendon’s success and striving for the ultimate goal.
