Dyson Heppell has long been considered a prospect, but up until two years ago it was in the pursuit of basketball.
Heppell’s basketball prowess was such that he played some game for Melbourne Tigers’ junior teams and he also represented Vic Country.
How Heppell and others viewed his sporting landscape changed when he was selected to represent Vic Country in the AFL Under 16 National Championships on the Gold Coast.
“As a junior I played as heap of basketball with Vic Country,” Heppell said.
“But, I pretty much decided after the Nationals that I would concentrate fully on footy. When I first gave up basketball I did miss it a fair bit.
“I love my footy, so in the end it hasn’t been an issue.”
Heppell’s football development has escalated. As a bottom age player, Heppell was viewed by Gippsland Power coach Damian Carroll as the club’s best player during last year’s finals series.
And, when Gippsland came to select its captain for season 2010 – chosen by the coaching staff and players – Heppell was an overwhelming choice.
“Dyson is a fantastic captain, he’s got great leadership qualities and is very meticulous about his preparation and conditioning with his football,” Carroll said.
While shin splits erased much of his pre-season, Heppell’s program to be ready for the season opener saw him take his place in the team in Round 1.
Over pre-season Heppell identified as a priority working on his defensive pressure - tackling and one percenters – and building up his body. Heppell added two kg as well as growing two centimetres.
Gippsland is taking time to recapture the form that saw them last season play finals, but Heppell believes that’s only temporary.
“At the moment we’re struggling a little bit, but we are working on our structures and hopefully can get on a roll,” Heppell said.
What particularly impresses Carroll is how composed the 17-year-old is and how he effectively uses the football whether by hand or foot.
“He’s very switched on, very determined to make AFL. I think he has a very exciting future ahead if he continues to apply himself in the manner he has over the last couple of years,” Carroll said.
Carroll uses Heppell’s drive as a running half back flanker and also switches him into the midfield, a role that he’s likely to occupy more once his fitness levels increase.
“Dyson has great awareness – I think his basketball background has helped in that regard - and that compliments all his other attributes,” Carroll said.
Not surprisingly, Heppell is in the mix to represent Vic Country at the AFL Under 18 National Championships, which begin late next month.
For Heppell to again represent Vic Country it would serve as further reinforcement that he made the right sporting decision.
“It would be fantastic to represent Vic Country. Everyone strives to wear the big V, it would be a great honour,” Heppell said.
Last Modified on 05/05/2010 15:40