Sport
22 May, 2026
Heppell suits up for Demons' big weekend
Dyson Heppell might have played more than 250 AFL games for Essendon but this Saturday he'll be pulling on another-coloured jumper as he lines up for Horsham in the Wimmera Football Netball League.
Demons coach Jake Short will be hoping Heppell can help his side bank win number three for them this season as they come up against the Eagles, who sit one position lower on the ladder, in seventh.
The appearance by Heppell will coincide with a couple of premiership reunions the club is holding this week, and a big crowd is expected to celebrate both events.
But the Eagles, led by Kyle George, will hope to ruin the Demons' celebrations in heading home with the four points.
George said his side was feeling good after the bye last week, adding it was a break they definitely needed.
"We had the opportunity to rest up and did a little more training than usual," George said.
He said the inclusion of Heppell in the Demons' side wouldn't alter how they approached the game, adding they hadn't assigned anyone in particular to get the job on the former Bombers captain.
"I'm hoping no one needs to go to him," George said.
"He won't change the way we will go about Saturday."
Expecting the Demons to be fast because the side was young, George said although they would love to earn the four points, the addition of Heppell and celebration of the reunions wasn't any extra motivation for the win.
"We're focused on improving our game, no matter who the opposition is," he said.
But they'll have to improve their game despite still not having a full list available for selection.
"We have injuries," George said.
"Consistently, we've had four to five out each week.
"We haven't had a game yet with a full squad."