#21: Dyson Heppell - Game streak broken

[Kong]

Welcome to Essendon, Dyson.

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/10/101118_heppell-l.jpg

Draft profile, taken from the Drafts & Trading board:

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=729725
Height: 189cm
Weight: 80kg
DOB: 14/05/92
Club: Gippsland Power (Vic)Achievements:
2010 Vic Country Team
2010 Vic Country Most Valuable Player
2010 All Australian Selection
2010 Morrish Medalist
2010 TAC Cup Team of the Year
2010 Gippsland Power Captain
2010 Draft Combine Invite

Draft Camp Results:
2nd in Clean Hands Test – 28/30 93% efficiency
3rd in Running Vertical Leap – 86cm
6th in Beep test – 14.13
8th in Standing Vertical Leap – 64cm
20m Sprint – 2.98

Heppell played three matches for Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under-16 Championships, producing 18 disposals, 2 goals and five score assists in his first match against South Australia. He made his debut for Gippsland after that as a 16 year old in the TAC Cup in Round 11 and played in the Preliminary final loss to Dandenong. In 2009 he played 19 games for the Power predominately as a defender, but moved into the midfield at the end of the season to average 24 disposals, four inside 50’s and five rebound 50’s in his last four matches. AFL Prospectus

Left-footed half-back who lopes along before delivering long to the chest of a teammate. Sort of like Grant Birchall with a bouncy gait. Showed in the first game of the championships, against Vic Metro, that he has the wherewithal to recover from setbacks. The question is whether he can break out of a lope and achieve a gallop. Paul Daffey

Skilful left-footed medium defender with penetrating kick, strength overhead and clean hands. Was outstanding for Vic Country in the under-18 championships, winning MVP and All-Australian honours. Averaged 20 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency and four tackles. Kevin Sheehan

He is probably the best rebounding defender in the competition and his importance to Gippsland is unmatched by any other. His kicking is pin point and his effective kicking sets Gippsland up for numerous forward movements. He is strong in the air and clean on the ground, and teams will be keen to curb Heppell’s influence before he tears the game to pieces. He has the licence, as a designated kicker, to find the right options and more often than not his decision making is spot on. TAC Cup Website

In his own words

What type of player are you?
I'm a skilful, attacking defender.

Which AFL player do you feel you resemble and why?
Josh Drummond because he is a very skilful, creative defender with a long, accurate left foot kick.

What are your strengths as a footballer?
Kicking ability, overhead marking, and clean hands at ground level.

What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Explosiveness, ability to break away from stoppages, body strength.

Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Essendon, because they were a very successful club when I was in primary school.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Dad - he has been a real mentor for me and has supported me with my football.http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=729725

[Ludwig van Bertstare]

Good selection tbh

[bipolarbeaR]

Yay! D:d:

[Pocket_Pears]

Heppell... not sure what to think about that...

[Ryder_Hooker]

Didnt see that coming!

[Mecha]

Heppell... not sure what to think about that...

Mmm....wanted an inside mid.

[OzBomber]

Any vids? What's he meant to be like?

Eurgh... Dale Thomas hair supposedly. :o

[Bomber4ever]

Yeah, i'm happy with that. He'll slot in nicely.

[bipolarbeaR]

Yeah to be honest me either, he's more of a HBF isn't he? Good kick of the ball which is great though, hope we pick up some grunt later.

[bipolarbeaR]

Hope he's better than the other Dyson >_>

[lards]

shit name but gun player :)

[bipolarbeaR]

Bombers supporter! :D
Awesome stuff!!!!

Pick 4 Gaff - West Coast
Pick 5 Polec - Brisbane
Pick 6 Conca - Richmond
Pick 7 Caddy - GC
Pick 8 Heppell - Essendon
Pick 9 Prestia - GC
Pick 10 Gorringe - GC

So far guys.

[Duckworth]

Says James Hird is his idol. At least he's intelligent.
(guy is probably losing his load about now)

[bombersno1]

Don't worry guys, he is an absolute steal at 8. Very Hodge-like in his disposal, rarely misses a target. Will play in the midfield in 2 years time.

Parker at 30 please.

[Pocket_Pears]

Interesting that we didn't take Atley...

[StealthBomber]

Hmmmmm....not too sure what to think?!!

Was hoping for a genuine midfielder, not a hbf'er. Can we get more info on this kid?? Nice to see he was rated MVP. Hopefully he wont get re-injured with his OP / groin problems.

Welcome to the EFC young man!

[bipolarbeaR]

Doesn't say much about his speed, seems similar to Myers.

[don patch sword]

very surprised, looks more like a half back but his skills are great and shows leadership, would have though tigers would want some class down back but this kid should do well for us.

[Jonesy1987]

bombersno1 will be happy. Not sure what to think, but happy to have some elite footskills in the side.

[Phone]

we're an easy bunch to please.

[ghostdog]

Was hoping for Caddy, this is a huge plus though:

"Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Essendon, because they were a very successful club when I was in primary school."

:thumbsu::thumbsu::thumbsu:

[Jonesy1987]

very surprised, looks more like a half back but his skills are great and shows leadership, would have though tigers would want some class down back but this kid should do well for us.

With Deledio making the successful transition probably put it further down in their needs.

[lards]

Don't worry guys, he is an absolute steal at 8. Very Hodge-like in his disposal, rarely misses a target. Will play in the midfield in 2 years time.

Parker at 30 please.
so much for your prestia at 30 haha but I agree with Parker at 30. Hopefully this talk about his groins are horse shit.:thumbsu:

[Kong]

Updated the OP with plenty of info :thumbsu:

[lards]

thought they would've ditched this countdown crap, much prefer the old way of watching players slide.

[bombersno1]

Doesn't say much about his speed, seems similar to Myers.

Quite quick, will be quicker than Myers.

[ghostdog]

He was number 5 on Emma Quayle's list.

"5. DYSON HEPPELL
(Gippsland Power, 18, 189cm, 80kg)
One of those players who seems to know — or decide — what will happen next. A tall onballer, he can get involved by sweeping the ball off half-back and carrying that involvement through the middle. Can read the ball well through the air, mark and knows what to do next with his long left-foot kick. An assured, grounded teenager who will be the best he can be.
Where will he be picked?
Probably by the Brisbane Lions at No. 5. Unlikely to get past Richmond if he's there at 6."

[Brenno]

Give him a couple of years to build endurance and watch him in the midfield. Has all the tools to be an elite midfielder, absolute steal. Could end up the best from this draft.

[bombersno1]

Hmmmmm....not too sure what to think?!!

Was hoping for a genuine midfielder, not a hbf'er. Can we get more info on this kid?? Nice to see he was rated MVP. Hopefully he wont get re-injured with his OP / groin problems.

Welcome to the EFC young man!

He will be a versatile MIDFIELDER anyway, think having elite kicking skills into our forward 50- HEPPELL is exactly that! Think Hodge/Gilbee.

[hollywood23]

very interesting, gotta say i was hoping for caddy, atley or prestia, this is a massive surprise. Will he be able to become a genuine midfielder is my big question. Seems to be more of a HBF which I wouldn't have thought would be our priority. Echo those calls for Parker at 31, or Hallahan

[juppy]

Supprised Atley wasnt top 10 and we didnt grab him. I heard someone say that Heppell has good disposal so am happy with that though.

[bombersno1]

Give him a couple of years to build endurance and watch him in the midfield. Has all the tools to be an elite midfielder, absolute steal. Could end up the best from this draft.

Won't be as good as Swallow BUT he is a gun. Brisbane may kick themselves by overlooking Heppell!

[bombersno1]

Supprised Atley wasnt top 10 and we didnt grab him. I heard someone say that Heppell has good disposal so am happy with that though.

2nd best disposal in the draft!:thumbsu:

[The Donners]

Unsure what to make of this. If he's not a midfielder it doesn't at all suit our requirements.

[bombersno1]

He is a midfielder, that has played down back. Elite footskills going into forward 50, or so you want Prismall kicking it into 50...

[juppy]

2nd best disposal in the draft!:thumbsu:

Something that we seriously lacked last year so definately a need. Im happy then :)

[Brenno]

2nd best disposal in the draft!:thumbsu:

That is a fair assessment, but with his elite disposal its really upto him where he ends up on the list at the end of there careers. I honestly believe this kid can be anything. I never thought we would get him.

[reincarnated]

Welcome to the Bombers...hope you can take the mighty dons to a couple of Premierships :)

Sad about Atley though...

[bombersno1]

Agreed. I gave up getting him as I thought Brisbane and Richmond would not be stupid. But absolutely STOKED at getting HEPPELL. Rate the bloke so much especially at that range imo

[xMichaelx]

Sounds pretty down to earth during the interview.

[lemon chicken]

2nd best disposal in the draft!:thumbsu:


What are you basing this on? He came 2nd in the handball drill but you keep on refering to his footskills.


Im gonna reserve judgment on him till ive seen him play up close a few times but my initial thoughts are he wont be a midfielder or at least an elite mid at AFL level. Doesnt seem to win a lot of his own ball so i think most likely will stay as a back flanker which fills a need for us so not really fussed about the selction.

[Dzeko]

We've done well here. I think we'd have regretted not getting him if he got to pick 12 which he was rumoured to.

[HFF_07]

Hm..

you would think they would of learnt from Myers :cool:


Hm, interesting, no true midfielders..

****ing hell, they must have a hell of alot of faith in the current group.

[bombersno1]

What are you basing this on? He came 2nd in the handball drill but you keep on refering to his footskills.


Im gonna reserve judgment on him till ive seen him play up close a few times but my initial thoughts are he wont be a midfielder or at least an elite mid at AFL level. Doesnt seem to win a lot of his own ball so i think most likely will stay as a back flanker which fills a need for us so not really fussed about the selction.

Have seen him play more than once this season. His skills are top class, his kicking is elite quality, just below Swallow. Whether he will be a full time mid, who knows, if he can be our Lindsay Gilbee/Hodge, we have got ourselves a gun!

[Charliebrow 16]

Loved his interview. Love his hair. Love him. He loves Essendon :thumbsu:

[Fin ice Smuggler]

He will be a versatile MIDFIELDER anyway, think having elite kicking skills into our forward 50- HEPPELL is exactly that! Think Hodge/Gilbee.

I've seen him play i think he has Sam Fisher written all over him. I'm wrapt to get Heppell, not so happy with the next pick??? if we had of got horlin-smith or parker then I think we would have filled 2 deficiencys in our midfield and backline......

I think we'll be all over Myles Sewell....

[tha Freak]

Loved his interview. Love his hair. Love him. He loves Essendon :thumbsu:

Agree. I'm excited with this kid and believe he will excel. As for everyone talking about roles and positions (not enough mids) remember these are still kids who have yet to finish growing.
These kids are still raw and what better teachers they will have than Hirdy, Bomber, ect.

Can't wait to watch their progress.

[Kong]

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=7829Essendon’s midfield stocks have been bolstered tonight with the Bombers selecting Dyson Heppell with the Club’s first pick (number 8 overall) at the AFL National Draft.

Recruited from the Gippsland Power, Heppell is a skilful left-footed medium defender with a penetrating kick, strength overhead and clean hands.

Essendon manager of personnel, Adrian Dodoro said the 189cm midfielder is in the mould of Hawthorn’s Luke Hodge.

“He is a bit like Luke Hodge in that he uses the ball really well, is extremely hard at the contest and can play multiple roles – defensive, midfield and forward,” Dodoro said.

“He is a left-footer with terrific leadership attributes and we see him being a 200-game player for the club.

“His crowning glory this year was the preliminary final where he was absolutely outstanding, had a 40-possession game and lifted the team over the line single-handedly.

“He is the sort of player that we think will be able to play AFL football from Round 1 next year.”

The 18-year-old shone in his appearances for Vic Country in the U18 Championships, winning MCP and All-Australian honours and averages 20 disposals and four tackles.http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=7829

[smcateer]

Hm..

you would think they would of learnt from Myers :cool:


Hm, interesting, no true midfielders..

****ing hell, they must have a hell of alot of faith in the current group.

^^^ This.

[Phone]

"for sure"

[smooth mover]

Pretty happy with Heppell, but must say not to happy with the rest, can not believe we didn't take Parker at 31 considering he was still there that was a big miss! Guess time will tell to see what our 2010 nab draft strike rate is! Welcome to Essendon Dyson Heppell :thumbsu:

[Frothies Mcveigh]

I was pretty keen on Atley, but stoked to get Heppell. Beautiful kick and great hands, also good to see he is an Essendon supporter.

[smcateer]

Interview about Hepppelll with Dododo and some footage on BomberTV.

[Shane Hird]

What are you basing this on? He came 2nd in the handball drill but you keep on refering to his footskills.


Im gonna reserve judgment on him till ive seen him play up close a few times but my initial thoughts are
he wont be a midfielder or at least an elite mid at AFL level. Doesnt seem to win a lot of his own ball so i think most likely will stay as a back flanker which fills a need for us so not really fussed about the selction.


I don't mean to offend you chicken man, but I'm going too any way..that is such a negative piece of ###t post my friend.

Who the #### do you think you are saying he won't be a midfielder?


So many people on this board are obsessed with the ####ing word midfielder!


So look at it like this..(and if you're not happy after that you should seek professional help)..

We need smart players. We need smart young players from the draft who have great awareness on a footy field and ones who can quickly adapt to the pace and the quick decision making that's required at League level.


Don't you realise how hard it is to find elite junior players who dominate half-backlines? Players who have the footy brain, the courage and the skill ,to constantly go for contested marks against tall forwards?

This kid is a sensational gain for us imo. Couldn't be happier with the selection.


He's a Victorian country boy, he's an Essendon supporter, his credentials are supurb. We are lucky to have such a low pick and get a kid like this.

We got ourselves a premium young footballer who is one of the best in the country. Captain material at youth elite level, All Australian....what more do you want FFS?

Instead of gettin all sad because you believe we could have gotton someone 'better', just focus on what we have got, not what we haven't goy.

I'm telling you, a tall dominate, skillfull, smart half backer at U16s level is so hard to find. Two years later at 18 years old ,one is in the top 10 draft and we gain a player who can work with Pears,Hurley, Hooker and Co and hopefully become a star player for us.

And yes maybe later move into the MF..:)

[Colin D'Cops]

Brisbane were supposedly set on this kid at 5 for a while, but a few factors led them to pick up Polec (ready made, been playing against men in SANFL) over him; was understood to be a very tough decision.

Doesn't seem to be a pacy HBF'er, but his kicking skills look a treat and seems to have a good head on his shoulders. Good luck to him. :thumbsu:

[bipolarbeaR]

The worst thing for the tigers is that one day not selecting Heppell will be Conca's bad fur day.

[Kong]

"Barracked for the Bombers my whole life."
"Idolised James Hird."
"[Dreams] do come true, this is crazy!"

Well, I'm sold.

[Ludwig van Bertstare]

The worst thing for the tigers is that one day not selecting Heppell will be Conca's bad fur day.

LOL.6char

[bombersno1]

I've seen him play i think he has Sam Fisher written all over him. I'm wrapt to get Heppell, not so happy with the next pick??? if we had of got horlin-smith or parker then I think we would have filled 2 deficiencys in our midfield and backline......

I think we'll be all over Myles Sewell....

More like Gilbee/Hodge as he can play more through the midfield than you think. Of all the picked we are laughing to the bank with HEPPELL!:thumbsu:

[beev]

Didn't expect this, but satisfied with the outcome.

Was expected to be a top 5 pick so he seems a steal at 8.

Its good to recruit a great kick, something we obviously lack. Hopefully he can provide some class in the midfield. From what I've seen (not much) he seems to play a bit like Gaff - drop behind the ball to get involved and then push into the middle.

Added bonus, hes a bombers man. :thumbsu:

[stugots]

Hm..

you would think they would of learnt from Myers :cool:


Hm, interesting, no true midfielders..

****ing hell, they must have a hell of alot of faith in the current group.

yes, thats the way hirdys drafting reads doesnt it?

have all & sundry misread the future capability of our younguns? how else could tonight's results be interpreted?

got a very good feeling about all of this:D

[bombersno1]

Pretty much, the reason why I cooled on Atley was his kicking and if Heppell is available, why not grab the bloke with the best kick!

[Phone]

nice work with the video bro

[The Donners]

Pretty much, the reason why I cooled on Atley was his kicking and if Heppell is available, why not grab the bloke with the best kick!

I totally agree with Atley's kicking and the need for the EFC to recruit footballers who have elite kicking skills.

[bombersno1]

Pretty much. Heaven knows I have had enough of Prismall, etc kicking the ball to the opposition inside forward 50. Heppell won't do that regularly as he is a A Grade kick of the ball. We need blokes that can kick well, too many of our players are 5/10 kicks!

[Darealrath]

Very excited about this...seems to have so many qualities we need.

[lemon chicken]

I don't mean to offend you chicken man, but I'm going too any way..that is such a negative piece of ###t post my friend.

Negative?? Are you in the middle of a binge session? He is a back flanker. Fact.


Who the #### do you think you are saying he won't be a midfielder?


Same as you. A nobody posting in an internet forum. Get off your high horse chump.

[/quote]
So look at it like this..(and if you're not happy after that you should seek professional help)... [/quote]

It amazing what some of the mods around here let pass and not.


Don't you realise how hard it is to find elite junior players who dominate half-backlines? Players who have the footy brain, the courage and the skill ,to constantly go for contested marks against tall forwards?

David Myers??


He's a Victorian country boy, he's an Essendon supporter, his credentials are supurb. We are lucky to have such a low pick and get a kid like this.

Irrelevant but anyway :rolleyes:



I'm telling you, a tall dominate, skillfull, smart half backer at U16s level is so hard to find. Two years later at 18 years old ,one is in the top 10 draft and we gain a player who can work with Pears,Hurley, Hooker and Co and hopefully become a star player for us.

Has worked so far with Myers.

And yes maybe later move into the MF..:)

So you agree with what i said he's not a midfielder. :confused:

[Here_we_come]

I must admit I know bugger all about him, but going from the afl.com video there seems to be a touch of Pendlebury about him.

Hopefully he can reach those heights, I'm happy with this pick.

[stay true]

I'm pitching a tent over this pick. Very surprised but very happy.

And guys, enough of the Myers shit because it will have no bearing what so ever on the progress of Heppell. Talk about irrelevant... :rolleyes:

[Beerfish]

I sincerely hope he's a wee bit taller than 89cm Whomby.

Oh and, vid not available due to copyright by the AFL.

**** you AFL.

[HardMan2010]

Didnt see that coming!

I did! Cant find my post earier this morning in one of the threads...but i had asked what people thought with his stocks reducing due to his osteotis pubis...so will have to see now whether this was the right decision...but a good utility type i believe...more chris judd like, he is hard at it and will also hit his target! That is what killed us this year, our kicking inaccuracy....only time will tell tho!!

[Jonesy1987]

more chris judd like, will also hit his target!

Not an attribute I'd normally associate with Chris Judd :p

[Demon 16]

Well done lads - Heppell > Caddy > Atley.

Surprised you didnt seek a couple more mids later on though.

[ghostdog]

Let's hope Reimers doesn't have a flashback, snap and deck the s*** out of Hepp.

[eth-dog]

Let's hope Reimers doesn't have a flashback, snap and deck the s*** out of Hepp.
Agree. Hepp will be wearing EFC colours though

[Shane Hird]

Negative?? Are you in the middle of a binge session?


No, but I've been working all day in 38 degree heat and I have limited tolerance for negative crap.

And basically your post just gave me the shits.

[bombersno1]

Hasn't stopped Reimers in the past! Lol

[Kong]

What's the comment about Heppell and Reimers?

[Jonesy1987]

Heppell looks like Daisy Thomas.

[Phone]

kyle and dyson had a fight in a game many years ago





here's a pic of the fight (http://www.essendonfc.com.au/images/08/r6-gsp-10.jpg)

[Phone]

oh well great jonesy totally ruined that post. damnit.

[Jonesy1987]

oh well great jonesy totally ruined that post. damnit.

and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.

[Lance Uppercut]

Mancrush imminent

[Phone]

and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.

this ain't over.

[Jonesy1987]

Mancrush imminent

On me or Heppell?

[bombersno1]

I like Heppell, he is a very pretty young guy, as well as being a gun footballer.

[Jonesy1987]

he is a very pretty young guy

A compliment every young man would be dying to hear. :p

[bombersno1]

As I said, I already have a crush on him

[don patch sword]

watch out angus :p, haha kid handles himself well, can already see him getting interviews for best on ground performances in a bomber jumper and could replace welsh on the footy show haha.

[Mecha]

After reading the comments from essendon they are pretty clear on playing him as a mid.

Happy once again. :)

[bombersno1]

Hope he replaces Welsh in other media things as well!

[Jonesy1987]

hope he replaces welsh

efa ;)

[yaco55]

Rapt that we got Heppell but Whomb's two background posts have confused me.

First post

quoted

Paul Daffey, Kevin Sheehan, TAC website and Heppell himself described him as a half back.

Second Post

From EFC.com.au

described Heppell as a midfielder.

Maybe he play in both positions.

He is most certainly an upgrade on Myers.

Will play Round 1 if fit.

[KING-JAMES]

Could not be happier with this.
Will add some real flair to our side and looks to tick all the boxes with his attitude :thumbsu:

[stay true]

Uploaded Dyson's interview for anyone that missed it.

RZf4tfgW-yE

[bipolarbeaR]

Heppell = Hardingham forward :D

[Wahooti Fandango]

Cheers stay true. :thumbsu:

[bipolarbeaR]

Looks like Daisy Thomas, sounds like Jonno Brown, plays like Luke Hodge.

[bombersno1]

Rapt that we got Heppell but Whomb's two background posts have me confused.

First post

quoted

Paul Daffey, Kevin Sheehan, TAC website and Heppell himself described him as a half back.

Second Post

From EFC.com.au

described Heppell as a midfielder.

Maybe he play in both positions.

He is most certainly an upgrade on Myers.

Will play Round 1 if fit.

Plays both positions. Ideally Myers would play one position and Heppell would play the other. Heppell has elite footskills potentially and thus getting him to kick inside forward 50 is going to be a huge bonus!

[stay true]

RZf4tfgW-yE