News
From one draftee to another
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1
Young gun Dyson Heppell capped off a sensational debut season by winning the 2011 Rising Star award after being taken at pick 8 in the AFL National Draft in 2010.
In the lead up to tomorrow night’s draft, Heppell recounts his experience at the Essendon Football Club in his first year and passes on his advice to the upcoming new draftees.
In the lead up to tomorrow night’s draft, Heppell recounts his experience at the Essendon Football Club in his first year and passes on his advice to the upcoming new draftees.
Draft night:
“Initially, it was a surreal experience to meet James Hird because I grew up watching him and was wearing his number on my back. Meeting him in the flesh at the draft was even better.
“Initially, it was a surreal experience to meet James Hird because I grew up watching him and was wearing his number on my back. Meeting him in the flesh at the draft was even better.
When I was drafted, it was amazing and I remember it being a real relief. Being at Bomberland now is fantastic as I barracked for the Bombers growing up and being drafted to the club you have grown up supporting really was a dream come true.
First day at the club:
Coming down to the club on the first day was a bit daunting but all the boys made us feel very welcome and they were all really good to us. The coaching staff were great, and after all the nerves, I really started to enjoy myself. It was the first proper taste we had of what it takes to play in the AFL.
Coming down to the club on the first day was a bit daunting but all the boys made us feel very welcome and they were all really good to us. The coaching staff were great, and after all the nerves, I really started to enjoy myself. It was the first proper taste we had of what it takes to play in the AFL.
The new recruits definitely stuck together initially and we all formed a really good friendship more than anything. Even now, we’re all really close and I suppose in the early days, we really did stick together. I found it really helped knowing that we were all going through the learning curves together.
Debut:
I was absolutely pumped and it was an amazing experience. I really loved every minute out on the field. I walked in to Hirdy’s office on the Thursday night before the game and when we told me I would play, it was incredibly exciting. It is a moment that I will always remember.
I was absolutely pumped and it was an amazing experience. I really loved every minute out on the field. I walked in to Hirdy’s office on the Thursday night before the game and when we told me I would play, it was incredibly exciting. It is a moment that I will always remember.
Year on reflection:
It was an amazing year and it was great that we did have a bit of success playing in the final against Carlton. I was really grateful for the opportunity I was given to play my first game and the games that followed and hopefully I can put in another big pre-season and have a bright future with Essendon.
Advice to the new draftees:
All I can tell the new recruits is to work hard and enjoy the experience.. and maybe stay away from Reimo because he smells.”
All I can tell the new recruits is to work hard and enjoy the experience.. and maybe stay away from Reimo because he smells.”
- PLAYER PROFILE: Dyson Heppell
Your comments
Showing of 21 comments. Show more
Don't be surprised if our first pick is a surprise.
- Gordon Moss snr (posted 23/11/2011 10:11:10 PM) 
There won't be a surprise because if Elliott Kavanagh from the Western Jets is still available at pick 19, Essendon will snaffle him up quick smart.
- Leigh Molloy (posted 23/11/2011 10:47:33 PM)
Pumped for the draft! Couldn't believe we got Hepps last year. Hopefully we can jag another star of the future. Go bombers!
- Carl Perez (posted 23/11/2011 10:54:18 PM)
hahhaha at the reimo part onya hepps
- Donovan de Cerff (posted 23/11/2011 11:25:14 PM)
Love the last sentence!
- Darien Gazzola (posted 23/11/2011 11:47:36 PM)
None better than Heppell to be giving advice after the first year he had. I have complete faith our recruiting team will bring in another Heppell and more portential stars. Everything at Essendon is looking so bright its blinding!!
- Darren Carter (posted 24/11/2011 5:51:16 AM)
Dyson, you have been a true star in your first year. We look forward to seeing you evolve further and be part of our exciting football team for many years to come. All the best for 2012. Go Dons!
- Tina Saccone (posted 24/11/2011 8:36:38 AM)
I agree, Gordon. IF Kavanagh is a risk free option, then other clubs may steal him before our turn. IF the draft goes in a different direction due to early choices, we may need to call on an unexpected bonus. IF we get cold feet on Kavanagh, we may pluck out a surprise. So many "if's". Happy just to get a really good player or three.
- Wesley Hull (posted 24/11/2011 9:04:48 AM)
Happy Draft day one and all, you could be right Gordon, wouldn't mind seeing Boseley picked up, Fletch clone..
- Mark McLachlan (posted 24/11/2011 9:19:39 AM)
Both Sheridon and Kavanagh around the same height.Both are the same type of player,both massive Essendon supporters.One with 2 hamstring injuries.Essendon will do their due diligence on both players,before the draft.Essendon have always said,they will go for the best available.Have faith in the club.Diane
- Diane Trask (posted 24/11/2011 10:00:15 AM)
I am sure there are kids already out there proudly wearing your number on their backs too Hepps!
- Adrian Reynolds (posted 24/11/2011 10:08:50 AM)
Fev to the dons? I would not be surprised!, would you?
- Rowan Gerecke (posted 24/11/2011 11:05:42 AM)
HEP YOU ARE A STAR. Moving forward we must select players that are not under injury clouds no matter who they are. No more Gumby, Laycock and Johns scenarios.
- Ralph Lepore (posted 24/11/2011 11:45:56 AM)
Can't wait to see who we pick, I'm thinking Kavanagh but if Daniel Markworth (x factor)slips he could be a goer, mind you I think he was a bit of a bolter, so could be a over paying at pick 19. Will soon find out but got to wonder why other clubs might pass on Kavanagh, they say his a top 10 pick in normal circumstances, would love to see some footage of this guy.
- Gerard Smith (posted 24/11/2011 11:52:16 AM)
How about Manson?
- mark manginsay (posted 24/11/2011 12:36:10 PM)
Pick up another Hepp and we shall be going places. Agree Diane - we just got to trust the people tha club have put in charge to do the job.
- Alan De Menezes (posted 24/11/2011 1:38:14 PM)
I recon Reimo would pong a little bit! (haha)
- Chris Litchfield (posted 24/11/2011 2:18:18 PM)
For all those asking/speculating... Hirdy said we are not looking at Fev... http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/a/Gumbleton-on-track-for-full-recovery/8683
- Essendon Insider (posted 24/11/2011 2:34:30 PM)
E.I remember when Hirdy said he won't coach us?
- al Catraz (posted 24/11/2011 4:14:00 PM)
al Catraz, are you insinuating our coach's word can't be trusted..??? careful
- Mark McLachlan (posted 24/11/2011 5:04:26 PM)
I totally agree with you Al, Hirdy was on on SEN the other morning and he didn't say no. He said they probably would not be looking for a key forward because of who we already have at the club. Now EI posts the above message is something getting a bit hot in the kitchen are they trying to pour water on this.... why???? Are EFC moving to Egypt? you know near the de nile!
- Rowan Gerecke (posted 24/11/2011 5:17:06 PM)
Showing of 21 comments. Show more
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