On Saturday Dyson Heppell will play his 100th game for Essendon.  In just four and a half seasons he has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the competition and endeared himself to supporters across the AFL.

Here is his story so far.  And the good news is, it's a story that's only just beginning.

2010 – Heppell awarded Captaincy of under 18 side Gippsland Power.  He represents Vic Country that season and is named in the All-Australian side.

18th November, 2010 – Heppell enters the National Draft as one of the top prospects but slips through to Essendon’s first selection (number eight overall).

27th March, 2011 – Heppell makes his debut for Essendon in round one gathering 20 disposals in a 55-point win over the Western Bulldogs.  Heppell receives the AFL’s nomination for the Rising Star award.

2011 – Heppell averages 21 possessions a game and wins the AFL’s Rising Star award, polling 44 of a possible 45 votes. 

2012 – Heppell averages 22 possessions a game and finishes 2nd in the Best and Fairest.

18th May, 2013 – Heppell plays his 50th game collecting 26 disposals and kicking two goals in a ten-point loss to Brisbane.

17th August, 2013 – Heppell suffers his first injury setback missing the final two games with a foot injury. 

2013 – Heppell finishes third in the Best and Fairest. 

21st March, 2014 – Heppell makes a brilliant start to the new season gathering 37 touches in a 39-point win over North Melbourne. 

27th June, 2014 – Heppell gathers 40 possessions (the highest of his career) during a nine-point loss to Geelong.

2014 – Heppell is named in the All-Australian side and wins the Essendon Best and Fairest.

8th January, 2015 – Heppell signs new deal with Bombers that will keep him at the club until the end of 2020. 

He tells the Herald Sun;

“I just love being around the place because it’s full of great people — from the coaching staff to the playing group, to the supporters and members, who are unbelievable.”

11th July, 2015 – With Captain Jobe Watson out for the rest of the season, Dyson Heppell is announced stand-in skipper.  The Bombers beat Melbourne by nine points in his first game in charge.

25th July, 2015 – Heppell plays his 100th game for the Bombers against Port Adelaide.