From the moment Dyson Heppell first stepped into the Club, it was clear one day he would lead it on the field. 

The 23-year old has proven this year that he is more than capable of holding the honour once the time comes. 

Stepping up in the absence of injured captain Jobe Watson, Heppell has demonstrated just what type of Captain he is capable of becoming.

However, this is not something that just came to him.

“I think early days he tried to do too much,” interim coach Matthew Egan said when asked about Heppell as a Captain.

“Early days he probably tried to take too much responsibility.” 

Egan has worked closely with Heppell along this journey, helping the 2014 Crichton Medalist define a leadership style that best suits him, his skills and his personality.

Heppell went away and did the hard yards, talking to many leaders inside and outside of the club as well as watching how some of the greats of the game have conducted themselves in the role.

He paid particular attention to the leadership of former Carlton Captain Chris Judd, observing his ‘lead by example’ captaincy style. 

But whoever he looked at, Egan was clear that Heppell would have to define his own unique style that would best suit him and the club.

“I think he’s learnt a lot about himself,” said Egan

“He spoke to some leaders over the journey about being himself and making sure the Captain he is - is Dyson Heppell.”

Heppell finished the season with another impressive performance in the round 23 win against Collingwood, breaking some hard tags and opposition pressure to collect 28-disposals for the day. 

It has very much been a similar story week-in, week-out for the stand-in Captain.

His ability to do the hard work and put his body on the line when the team most needs him is an example of the ‘lead by example’ style that he demonstrates. 

This, combined with his ability to lead with his voice, has seen the team put together an improved display in the last month of football.

In what has been an otherwise disappointing season, Heppell took a great sense of relief from a victory in the final round believing that it gives the playing group hope for next year.

“It has been a disappointing year overall,” Heppell said.

“But I thought that our last month or so of footy has been outstanding.

“It’s given us real belief for the future.”

The team structure has been hurt badly by injuries to key players such as Jobe Watson, David Myers, Travis Colyer, Tom Bellchambers and many others meaning that the club has had to rely on its younger players to get the job done.

Fans have seen a glimpse of the future throughout 2015 and Heppell believes that the win shows that the team is finally starting to gel on the field.

“It felt like a tight knit group out there and it was fun to play,” Heppell said.

“If you can play as a team and everyone buys into that, you’re halfway there.”

With Jobe Watson set to return as captain in 2016, Heppell will no doubt be looking forward to the next opportunity he has to be the top Don once more.