Bomber veteran Dyson Heppell made the call to retire from the game at season's end earlier this week, ending an illustrious playing career of 13 years and 252 games with Essendon, six seasons as captain, earning an All-Australian blazer and a best and fairest award.
Despite his standing, the club have chosen not to select the former skipper in what would be his final home match of his career, as the Bombers host Sydney at Marvel Stadium.
Brad Scott and the selection committee will welcome Archie Perkins and Sam Weideman into the side, with Ben Hobbs, Jade Gresham, Nick Bryan and Jye Menzie all listed on the interchange bench ahead of Heppell.
Elijah Tsatas, Will Setterfield and Peter Wright make up the emergencies, allowing no chance for Heppell to be added to the lineup with a late change, all but eliminating a potential farewell match for Bomber fans to celebrate.
The selection call has outrages fans and pundits alike.
Going to the Essendon game tonight with the Mrs purely to watch Dyson Heppell one last time…
They didn’t pick him.
Does this club get anything right? 🤦🏼♀️
— JXT ‘The JayStick’ (@JXT_Official_) August 15, 2024
The reality is, finals are still well and truly on the table for Essendon, who sit just one win out of the eight despite their poor percentage.
The attitude of many suggests September is an after-thought for the club in season 2024, but the selectors seem to be prioritising a lineup they think can upset the Swans and keep their finals hopes alive.
SEN hosts David King and Kane Cornes, had their say on Fireball Friday, expressing their bewilderment over the call in a Friday morning segment.
"100% they should. That is madness."
Kane and Kingy don't understand why Dyson Heppell hasn't been given a send-off game this week again.@SENBreakfast | #AFL pic.twitter.com/fHhPznF7o2
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) August 15, 2024
"We've had everyone come out and say what a great leader he's been and what a great teammate. 250-odd games, an All-Australian, a best & fairest winner, there during the hard times," King said.
"They had the chance, and they bring in Weiderman, and I go 'what?'."
"Why not just give this guy one more on the way out and give the fans a chance, and the Melbourne home-base, to go and say 'thanks Dyson'."
The Bombers meet Sydney for a blockbuster Friday night clash to keep their season alive, before making the trip to the Gabba to face Brisbane in Round 24.
