Dyson’s new role to ease his load

ESSENDON captain Dyson Heppell is a certain starter for Round 1 in a new half back role that will help lessen the strain on his troublesome foot.

But All Australian defender Michael Hurley remains bedridden with a lingering leg infection and seems a distant prospect of playing in the season opener against Hawthorn.

Hurley and Jake Stringer (achilles) would both need to make dramatic recoveries five weeks out from Round 1 in an Essendon side that will give opportunities to its bunch of young kids.

Stringer has managed his achilles over summer and after pulling up sore in match simulation the club has decided that he will commit to a period of strengthening the area instead of continuing full training.

Essendon’s forward line will be built around ex-Suns forward Peter Wright and a group of mid-sized and small forwards, with Cale Hooker, James Stewart and Jayden Laverde playing back.

Heppell has had multiple rounds of surgery on his foot and ankle but after having a pin removed from his ankle in September, Dons football boss Josh Mahoney said he was perfectly placed for Round 1.

“Dyson has been managed really well by the medical and high performance team – he’s now essentially in full training,” Mahoney said.

“He is expecting to play the pre-season games and he’s playing a new role off half back. He gives the defensive some real experience which is important.

“It was a good decision to get a procedure done at the end of the season and he’s looking forward to getting out there as captain. It’s a decision based on him adding experience to the defence but also the physical requirements of that role versus the midfield.”

Hurley’s lack of progress is a concern given he spent a week in hospital but after being discharged last Sunday, he is still attempting to shrug off the infection.

“He has a leg infection which is being treated through antibiotics,” Mahoney said.

“The more time he misses with training and the restrictions of being bedridden is going to impact his return. It’s just important to get on top of it and once he gets to that stage we can think about timelines.”

Essendon is determined to get Stringer back to full fitness after he battled when returning from a syndesmosis strain last year.