Heppell to head the Bomber group for sixth season as skipper

Dyson Heppell will lead the Bombers again in 2022 as he looks to lead Essendon to a drought breaking finals win in his sixth season as skipper.

The 29-year-old, who is set to play his 200th game this season, will be joined in the leadership group by on-baller Zach Merrett, who has been named vice-captain, and utility Andrew McGrath, who has been named deputy vice-captain.

Dyson Heppell in action during the Bombers’ recent intra-club match.Credit:Getty Images

The three players were in the leadership group last season alongside popular veteran Michael Hurley, who will spend 2022 looking to force his way back into the team as he recovers from a hip infection that ruined his 2021 campaign.

Essendon will play a practice match on Wednesday against the Western Bulldogs with Dylan Shiel likely to be available after he suffered a minor quad strain at training a fortnight ago. Recruit Jake Kelly is also a chance to play after missing last week’s intra-club with soreness, while Jake Stringer and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti remain sidelined.

Ruckman Andrew Phillips will miss after hurting his adductor in the intra-club.

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