Heppell was one of the first Essendon players to commit to the club again in 2016 after sitting out the season due to anti-doping bans from the supplements saga. Despite interest from rival clubs at the time, he expressed satisfaction with his decision to stay as he approaches the latter half of his 14th AFL season.
Reflecting on his journey, Heppell shared, “Looking back, there were many opportunities to explore other options. However, I remained loyal to Essendon, a club I deeply identify with, and cherished the relationships I had built here. I wanted to see this through, to see what we could achieve and hopefully find success in the end.”
Heppell’s career started strongly with accolades such as the 2011 AFL Rising Star award and becoming an All-Australian and club best and fairest winner in 2014. He acknowledged the challenging times during the supplements saga but noted that it forged strong bonds with his teammates.
“Those were undoubtedly challenging times. I learned a lot about myself and developed mental resilience. I don’t harbor any bitterness about it. Moving on and forgiving quickly was important for me,” he reflected. He added that the experience strengthened his character and deepened his relationships with teammates who went through it with him.
Looking ahead to his 250th AFL game, Heppell expressed pride in reaching this milestone with Essendon, a club he loves for its rich history and characters. He emphasized the excitement within the team as they aim for success this season, highlighting their improved position and maturity as a group compared to previous years.
Heppell also credited coach Brad Scott for instilling belief in him during tough times and discussed overcoming significant foot and ankle injuries that once threatened his career. He attributed his consistency to meticulous preparation and adopting various techniques for physical and mental rejuvenation.
Reflecting on the best teammates he’s played with, Heppell named Jobe Watson for his leadership and clutch performances, Zach Merrett for his resilience and skill, and Michael Hurley for his versatility and inspirational presence on the field.