The Bombers’ season-ending match against Brisbane will feature a tardy farewell to retiring Edendon mainstay Dyson Heppell. The former captain of Essendon declared his retirement last week, yet he was left out of the starting lineup for his farewell home match against Sydney.
Following a second-half masterclass that saw them storm to a 15.8 (98) to 8.11 (59) victory that dashed Essendon’s hopes of making the finals, the Swans all but secured the minor premiership. However, the main talking point from that game was the non-selection of legendary Bombers player. After supporting the team through the crippling supplements issue and playing more than 250 games for Essendon since his AFL debut in 2011, Bombers fans were hoping to witness the club great run out one last time at home before he hangs up the boots.
However, Essendon supporters bade him farewell before the match instead of Bombers coach Brad Scott selecting him. Scott justified not playing him against the Swans after the game in the face of strong criticism. “Dyson has been very, very clear that his decision to retire, a big part of it was he talked to me about when someone has come through and is ready to take his spot and performed that he would know it was time,” Scott stated.
We selected our best team because we were still in the running. Everyone would anticipate that from us.”
Opposition to Dyson Heppell’s homegoing criticized
However, the choice to deny the 32-year-old one last farewell game in front of his home crowd demoralized a lot of fans and commentators about the club. The legendary Matthew Lloyd of Essendon criticized the Bombers for having “lost so much respect” since his playing days and argued the team should not have allowed retiring champion Heppell to play one final home game. According to Lloyd, the majority of Bombers supporters, if not all of them, would have rather that Heppell play against the Swans and didn’t think the 32-year-old would have “hindered” the team’s performance on the pitch.
Lloyd told 3AW that he believed most people would have wanted to see Dyson play tonight because of everything he has done for the team and because he has always been there for them during difficult times. “For him, his family, his friends, and maybe even a lift for the group, I personally would have loved to have seen it.”
Legends of the AFL Kane Cornes and David King said that Scott ought to have given Heppell a fitting farewell. Cornes called it “madness” that the Bombers coach had not picked him, but King cited Heppell’s leadership as justification for honoring him at any point in the season.
“Everyone praises him for being an excellent teammate and leader. 250 games, the best and fairest, all Australian. And when they had the opportunity, Sam Weideman was brought in. King stated. Why not give this guy one more on the way out, is all I can think of. Allow the supporters in the Melbourne home base to visit Dyson and express their gratitude.”
Dyson Heppell will play against the Lions, Chris Scott confirms.
The Bombers announced on Wednesday that he will suit up for the game at the Gabba, which is a dead rubber for the team, for the 253rd and final time. Despite not participating in a finals victory throughout his 14-year tenure at Essendon, the 32-year-old is regarded as a devoted member of the team. Scott defended his choice to not select Heppell last week, even though the team is not in contention for the finals for the third consecutive season. Heppell will have the proper send-off, Scott said.
Scott stated on Wednesday, “You play your best team to try and qualify for finals. It’s a simple decision, but last week was a gut-wrenching one.” We’re not in the running this week, but he has a very specific position that is also quite apparent.
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