Heppell fires as Bombers harness chemistry

DYSON Heppell says the chemistry between the returning Bombers and the club’s swag of emerging stars can lift Essendon to exciting new heights this season and beyond.

Heppell made a stunning return to AFL football on Saturday night with 34 disposals and three goals, providing an inspiration to his teammates in his first official game as the club’s captain. But the 24-yearold midfielder was more interested in talking about the impact his teammates made in the club’s 25-point win over Hawthorn rather than his own sizeable contribution.

“It’s a really exciting mix,” Heppell said. “We have a great balance of speed, power and endurance. I was going through the team and I thought ‘Gee, we are dangerous across the board’.”

“I trust everyone I play with and it is a good spot for us to be in now.

“We will try and keep a lid on this. But the chemistry we are going to be able to build over the next six or seven weeks is very exciting. We will develop that and get stronger as a group.”

Heppell said the healing aspect of Essendon’s comeback game wasn’t only confined to the players, but also to the officials and the supporters who had to endure so much pain as well.

One of those was former chairman David Evans, who stepped aside from the role after suffering a physical breakdown following a match against Hawthorn in July 2013, but was in the rooms again on Saturday night.

“That is enormous, he has been so special for this club and has been a real mentor to me,” Heppell said of Evans. “To have guys like that, people who mean a hell of a lot to this club, it is great to share it with them.”

“We don’t (take it for granted). Our fans have been a massive part in getting us through this period.

“They haven’t wavered one little bit.

“We just really try to harness their energy and give it our best.”