Diehard AFL fans will never let one of their own go unrecognised, even if external praise eludes them.
Players like Josh Battle, Matt Cottrell, Tom Sparrow and Brent Daniels have played a crucial role at their respective club for years, but never seem to reach the limelight of external discussion or award recognition. Some of that has changed, but a plethora of players need some more love.
This year, several players have stood up in a pivotal spot or in a new role and thrived. Others have toiled away at their job without public acknowledgement of the year they're having.
This piece aims to congratulate those who haven't received the widespread appreciation they deserve, offering a brief moment of stardom before they likely escape discussion once again this weekend...
Essendon
Heppell was the cream of the Bomber midfield crop for a long stretch in the 2010s, collecting at least 10 Brownlow votes in five successive seasons.
He's had to make room for Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish in recent seasons and has been edged out completely by the emergence of Jye Caldwell, Sam Durham and Archie Perkins. But no matter, as Heppell has turned back the clock with his new role in defence.
A capable interceptor and good decision-maker, he supports the defensive duo of Ben McKay and Jordan Ridley perfectly; constantly dropping into the hole where the inevitable dump kick continues to land, keeping his fellow backmen from scrambling.
He could be criticised in the past for turning the ball over too often. This year his clangers are down and his footy smarts have become a pivotal part of Essendon's offensive flare in 2024.
