Essendon coach John Worsfold has heaped praise on captain Dyson Heppell for his efforts in preparing for the Bombers’ return to finals football this Thursday.
Heppell has been tussling with an ongoing foot injury in the back half of the season, but the skipper is on track to line up for the Dons against West Coast at Optus Stadium.
The 27-year-old has played just three games since round 15 as he has managed the issue, working tirelessly to ensure he is in the best shape possible for the massive elimination final clash.
Ahead of the side’s main training session on Monday, Worsfold said Heppell’s foot was “really good” and lauded his work ethic on and off the field.
“I’ve had huge admiration for him since I met him – or even before I met him when I used to watch him play – so I know the character of the guy.
“What he’s doing at the moment is what he knows is required. He wants to play, he wants to be part of what the team’s trying to achieve and he’s doing everything he can.
“He’s a pro, but nothing has surprised me and it hasn’t meant I admire him any more.”
Dyson Heppell has trained well on the track ahead of Thursday's elimination final. (Image: AFL Photos)
Heppell is among a contingent of experienced Bombers expected to return against the Eagles, with Orazio Fantasia (hip), Jake Stringer (soreness) and Cale Hooker (illness) in the selection mix.
The pre-finals bye has been beneficial for Essendon and Worsfold is confident the group has put in enough work on the track to be ready to fire on Thursday.
“They’ve had plenty of work into them, including training over weekends when the rest of the team might have been doing recovery post-game.
“All of their volumes and all of their footy work is all at the level we’d like it to be.”
Star defender Michael Hurley has also been under an injury cloud since suffering a dislocated shoulder against Collingwood in round 23, but the signs are positive for the two-time All Australian who took part in main training Monday.
“He’s going really well. At this stage, everything’s looking really promising,” Worsfold said.
“He has to say he thinks he’s able to play at the required level in this game. The medical staff have to agree with that and say that they’re comfortable that he’s available, and then we have to decide if we’re ready to pick him.
“All of those things we’ve got to do, but at this stage, he’s tracking really well. He’ll just do normal training today and we’ll have a look at him.”
Worsfold is embracing the challenge of taking on the reigning premiers on their home turf this week and he is confident his side can take it up to the Eagles.
“Our main theme is that we’ve got to back ourselves in to play our best footy, believe in what we’ve been doing, put it on display and maintain it from the very first bounce all the way through the game.
“We know we’re playing a very good team, which we’re excited about.”
The first bounce is set for 8:10pm (AEST) on Thursday, September 5, and you can CLICK HERE for all information regarding the match.
