The changing of the guard at Essendon continues with Dyson Heppell making the surprise decision to stand down as captain after six years in the role.
Heppell told his teammates and coaches of his decision on Friday morning, meaning Essendon will enter the 2023 season with a new captain, coach, chief executive, president, high-performance manager and board members.
Three-time best-and-fairest winner Zach Merrett is the early favourite to replace Heppell as captain, with Mason Redman and Andrew McGrath viewed as the other main candidates.
Heppell's announcement came as a surprise given it was only last week that new coach Brad Scott said there was a strong likelihood the 30-year-old would remain as captain.
Heppell was only 20 years old when he was first named in the Bombers' leadership group in 2013.
In 2016 he was appointed vice-captain and in 2017 he succeeded Jobe Watson as captain.
Heppell has skippered Essendon in 107 matches, placing him fifth on Essendon's all-time list for games captained.
Dick Reynolds (224 games) and James Hird (158) headline that list.
"As a little tacker, playing AFL footy was a dream, let alone playing for the club I supported and then further to that becoming the captain of that club," Heppell said.
"Over the past six years, I had enormous pride and respect for my role as captain.
"Leadership can be a tough caper at times, but it has given me so much joy and has played a big part in my growth as a person, player and teammate."
Scott commended Heppell's selflessness.
"He has led the club through a difficult time in its long and proud history and has done so with great commitment," Scott said.
Essendon will announce their new captain and leadership group over the next week.
Merrett looms as the standout candidate for the captaincy, with the 27-year-old among the best midfielders in the competition.
He was Heppell's deputy last season and produced another dazzling campaign that resulted in him finishing runner-up in the club's best and fairest vote.
ESSENDON'S LONGEST SERVING CAPTAINS:
*Dick Reynolds - 224 games
*James Hird - 158
*Terry Daniher - 127
*Bill Hutchison - 121
*Jack Clarke - 121
*Dyson Heppell - 107
*Jobe Watson - 106
