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AFL legend calls for captaincy change at Essendon

Dyson Heppell out, Andrew McGrath in?

Published by
Stephen Marson

Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton believes the Bombers would benefit more from relieving Dyson Heppell as captain, and handing the job to a young star.

Brereton says 21-year-old Andrew McGrath should be given a chance to lead the side, and take control of a team that he'd lead for the next decade.

“John (Worsfold) will coach or he won’t, that’s their decision, but the personnel they’ve got, I’d be that closely inclined to saying Dyson get your body right, play in this role we want you to play to get the best out of you,” Brereton told SEN’s Crunch Time.

“I’d almost be inclined to say Andrew McGrath, we believe we’re going to start a new era starting here right now, how does the captaincy fit with you?

“Make a new era and say this boy shows all the hallmarks of great leadership. He could be the captain for the next 180 to 200 games.

“He is a 21-year-old now. He is so mature, he does the right things, he makes the right efforts, his attack at it is never compromised, unlike some of his teammates.

“He’s an intelligent boy, he presents well and some of the great captains have taken the mantle at 20 or 21. I’d have to have that discussion with my football department.”

McGrath has played just 64 games for the Bombers since being taken with the No. 1 pick in the 2016 National Draft.

Published by
Stephen Marson