Heppell ‘likely’ to stay on as Bombers captain
ESSENDON coach Brad Scott says there is a “strong likelihood” Dyson Heppell could captain the Bombers for a seventh season, with the decision to be left to the veteran utility.
Scott said the club had reached the “pointy end” of its leadership process, with the 30-year-old Heppell still firmly in the running to lead the side.
“We’ve said all along that Dyson Heppell is our captain, and that will remain up until we go through our process,” Scott said. “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.”
Scott said he had admired Heppell’s leadership and football ability from afar during his time as North Melbourne coach and at the AFL.
“I couldn’t be more impressed with Dyson Heppell … he’s led this club through quite a challenging period in his career,” he said. “If he wants to continue as captain, then I suspect that’s what will happen.”
Scott said Essendon would take “upwards of 35 players” to the Gold Coast for a scratch match against the Suns on February 23.
He ruled out injured trio Matt Guelfi (calf), Zach Reid (foot) and Nik Cox (back), but said the young key position duo were “progressing really well” in their recoveries.
Jake Stringer was moving pain-free and a certainty to play the Gold Coast, Scott said.
“He will be up on the Gold Coast, 100 per cent,” he said.
Scott said criticism of Stringer’s condition over the pre-season was unfair, with his training program tailored to focus on his best attributes.
“His strength is something very few players in the competition have got,” he said.