Essendon captain Dyson Heppell is reportedly yet to receive a contract offer beyond this season, per reports from 7News Melbourne's Mitch Cleary.
"The Bombers in recent days have been spruiking 'cash to splash' on a free agent, but right now their captain has no certainty on next year," Cleary revealed last night.
"Heppell has played all eleven games, but a fortnight on from his 30th birthday he is still awaiting a contract offer for 2023 with Andy McGrath and Zach Merrett next in line as skipper.
"Among the free agents on the market; Jordan de Goey, Dan McStay, Alex Pearce and Bailey Dale all fit a need for the Bombers."
โThe Bombers in recent days have been spruiking cash to splash on a free agent, but right now their captain has no certainty on next year."@cleary_mitch with the latest on Dyson Heppell: https://t.co/7427Fl9aE9 pic.twitter.com/tHPfIG083O
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 2, 2022
Heppell has had a mixed run of form in 2022, averaging 23.2 disposals and 6.4 marks per match so far, but becomes an unrestricted free agent at season's end.
The club reportedly has the capacity and intends to attract a big-name recruit during the off-season, with AFL 360's Mark Robinson claiming they've got the resources to clinch a $1 million dollar player.
โI think theyโve got enough money to go after a $1 million dollar player,โ Robinson said earlier in the week.
โIโm saying in Collingwood, โtheyโre not losing Jordan De Goeyโ. But Essendon will go for Jordan De Goey, because theyโve got the money to go after him. Now whatโs he worth? Maybe $750,000 to $800,000, $900,000? Heโs worth what youโre willing to pay."
The Bombers have had a rocky 2022, sitting 16th on the ladder, prompting an in-depth review of their football department earlier this week.
