Heppell forgoes free-agency sweepstakes for new deal

ESSENDON captain Dyson Heppell is set to waive his free agency options next season and sign a lucrative two-year contract extension. In a major show of faith in Essendon’s direction, Heppell is expected to formalise an early agreement in the new year, locking him in until 2022. It is a crucial and stabilising signature for the Bombers on the back of a turbulent finish to the season dealing with Joe Daniher’s failed trade request to Sydney. A disappointed Daniher was unable to move north in the October exchange period and is expected to try again as a restricted free agent at the end of next season. As captain, Heppell, 27, will play a significant role in helping maintain the players’ focus on returning to the top eight and breaking through for their first finals win since 2004. Heppell has shown incredible loyalty to Essendon over his career, signing a five-year deal in early 2015 despite the devastating fallout of the supplements crisis which cost him a year on the sidelines in 2016. The left-footer will also again be a key cog in the midfield next year alongside star playmakers Dylan Shiel, Zach Merrett and Andrew McGrath, while Richmond tough nut Jacob Townsend is also on his way from Punt Rd. Heppell played through the pain and restriction of a significant foot injury this year which required post-season surgery. The 169-gamer had a problem with the growth plates in his foot which significantly inhibited his ability to train in the back half of the season. But the gun midfielder has made good progress at training in recent weeks and will ramp up his workloads after Christmas.