Essendon VFL captain Aaron Heppell says there are positives to the club’s recent misfortune of injuries.
The VFL Bombers have dealt with a number of changes to their side over the last month, with senior-listed Dons David Myers, Mark Baguley, Brayden Ham, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and latest debutant Tom Jok all receiving recent AFL call-ups.
While Heppell admitted it does have a small affect on the group’s consistency, he said it was great for the team’s development in the long run.
“The good thing with injuries is that it allows the young AFL players to get AFL experience, and then come back and be better footballers when they play VFL,” the skipper told SEN 1116's VFL show.
“It also gives the young VFL-listed blokes to get games, become familiar with our game plan, and (play) against AFL-listed players.
“It can be a bit hard with consistency, but it gives everyone opportunities to play at a higher level of footy which overall benefits us later on in the season.”
Hard-working forward Tynan Smith and young promising ruck Riley Bowman are two inclusions that Heppell believes have had a big impact on the VFL Dons since coming in.
“Big ‘Tyno’ is a bit of a beast who was dominating local footy at Greensborough. (With seven goals from four games) he’s probably solidified his spot in a finals series now.
“It was pretty flattening when Sam Draper went down at the start of the season, but having someone like ‘Bowy’ come in as a 19-year-old, still playing NAB League to now playing against men and some proven AFL ruckmen, is great.
“It’s great to see young fellas showing what they have to offer.”
Heppell has flourished in his new roles this season, which has seen the two-time and reigning R.A Freeman medallist average 19.4 disposals and six tackles from 16 matches.
“The captaincy has been a great opportunity to develop my leadership. I’ve got some great leaders alongside me in David Myers, Danny Younan and Heath Hocking, so I’ve really been able to leverage off them,” Heppell said.
“I’m also getting a run through the midfield this season and really relishing that. Again, I’m bouncing off those experienced players who keep developing my craft and are helping develop my footy.”
Speaking of Myers, who has averaged over 30 disposals from his last three games, Heppell described the retiring veteran as “one of the great men of football”.
“He’s always been a great character around the club, and particularly this year when I’ve spent a bit more time with him in the VFL, he’s had a great attitude and been a real leader, especially to those young AFL guys,” he said.
“He’s been a nice inclusion to our VFL side, and I’m more than happy to have him for the rest of the season. He’s a proven AFL player, so coming back to VFL level he certainly dominates.”
Heppell has loved having Myers as a VFL teammate this season. (Photo: AFL Photos)
Essendon VFL faces Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday morning, in what will be its final match of the home-and-away season.
Despite the result, the VFL Dons have secured fourth spot on the ladder, meaning they will face minor premier Richmond in week one of the finals.
Heppell said the group believed they could match it with the best, and were looking forward to the challenge.
“Coming out of that Footscray game where we didn’t play our best footy, and then coming into last weekend’s game where we really pushed Richmond, (we learnt) our best footy is good enough to run with any side.
“We’ll try to bring that in our first final in two weeks' time."
