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.”
