Essendon captain Dyson Heppell has highlighted the honour and privilege of playing on ANZAC Day after a commemorative service at the club on Thursday.
World War II veteran and legendary Bomber Jack Jones made an inspirational speech at the service and Heppell emphasised Jones’ spirit.
“It’s fantastic to hear Jack speak, he’s a tremendous man actually and I love hearing him speak,” Heppell said.
The skipper spoke about how special it is to play in the annual match against Collingwood and said it was a great opportunity for the players to pay their respects to our servicemen and women.
“It’s an amazing honour, a great privilege to be able to show our respects for those who have fought for our country.
“You cannot in any way compare footy to war, but I guess for us to be able to play a small part in showing our respects to those who have fought I think it’s an amazing experience.”
There could be many Bombers playing in their first ANZAC Day game next Wednesday, with trio of recruits Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad and recent debutant Matt Guelfi all in line for selection.
Heppell described the traditional pre-game ceremony as a “great experience”.
“I love that part of the day…just being able to get a moment to reflect.
“And as soon as it finishes the crowd erupts and you get that massive buzz through your body and (you’re) ready to go, so I’m looking forward to it.”
He said Essendon’s new players always understand the enormity of the occasion when they arrive at The Hangar.
“I think they definitely have a sense and a feeling of how big the occasion is and it’s something they talk about when they first come to the club.
“I think they’ll embrace the occasion really well. Little things like this today give them a little edge and an insight into what the lead-up looks like and I think they’ll embrace it really well.”
The playing group has had plenty of time to prepare for the blockbuster match following its strong victory over Port Adelaide last week, and Heppell said he was excited to face a similarly impressive Collingwood, which comfortably accounted for Adelaide in round four.
“We’re really excited for the week ahead coming off a 10-day break, (the) body’s freshened up (and it’s) always a great occasion on ANZAC Day.”
“It makes for an awesome game, both sides coming off some great wins on the weekend.
“The Pies were super in Adelaide and we had a good one against Port, so she’ll be a great game I reckon.”
Heppell praised the work-rate of key forward Joe Daniher, who has been held to just six goals in the opening four rounds this season.
Daniher booted 65 goals in 2017 including an outstanding three-goal, 16-disposal performance in the ANZAC Day game last year that yielded the towering forward the ANZAC Medal for best on ground.
“Joey’s working his butt off to play his best footy. Joey’s one that has a great outlook on footy, nothing fluctuates with him in terms of the way he goes about his training,” Heppell said.
“(He’s) certainly been playing his role and he’s looking forward to getting back to his best footy.”
ESSENDON AND COLLINGWOOD HAVE JOINED FORCES. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE ANZAC APPEAL
