Port Melbourne has made the first major move of the off-season, with the Borough signing former Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell for the next two years.
Heppell played 253 AFL games across 13 seasons before retiring at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign.
He was captain of the Bombers for six seasons from 2017 to 2022.
Among his accolades were the AFL’s Rising Star award in 2011 and selection in the 2014 All Australian team in a season he also won Essendon’s best and fairest, the Crichton Medal.
Continue below to read a statement from Port Melbourne Football Club confirming Heppell's signing.
The Port Melbourne Football Club (PMFC) has today announced that recently retired AFL legend Dyson Heppell will once again don the boots after he committed to a two-year contract with the Borough for 2025 & 2026.
Heppell, who played 253 games for Essendon over his 13-year AFL career will join the club in a dual role as a Playing-Assistant and Community Ambassador.
“When Brendan reached out and told me of his plans for next season and beyond I was genuinely excited and wanted to be a part of it” commented Heppell.
Heppell brings a wealth of experience which is a major coup for the club and is sure to make an impact both for his skills and for his leadership.
Off the field Dyson will be the leader for the Borough’s Football Programs and Clinics. These programs are to be delivered through schools and junior clubs and will allow junior players to have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game.
“Football has given me so much so to be able to be part of the program that the Port Melbourne Footy Club has put together is fantastic. It is a small way to give back and hopefully inspire the next generation”.
This key signing is a huge scalp for new VFL Head Coach Brendan McCartney who has hit the ground running and is putting together a strong squad for next season.
“Having a bloke like Dyson in your group can only strengthen the team. His skill is evident and his leadership abilities is a bonus especially with a lot of young guys in our team. They can learn a lot from Dyson and Dyson is excited to share his knowledge and experience with them” commented McCartney.
