Essendon Unveil New-Look Leadership Group For 2019

Essendon has trimmed its leadership group for 2019, with Dyson Heppell to lead the club for a third season.

Heppell leads a five-man leadership group, backed by vice-captain Zach Merrett vice-captain, David Myers, Joe Daniher and Orazio Fantasia.

Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker have stepped down from last year's leadership group.

“Feedback from our playing group was overwhelmingly in support of Dyson being named as captain for a third straight year. They feel strongly aligned with his leadership qualities and values and this was consistent throughout this process,” coach John Worsfold said. 

“We feel all five men bring strong and diverse qualities that will ensure the growth of the playing group across a number of values and we hope this resonates on-field too.

“I’d also like to acknowledge both Cale Hooker and Michael Hurley who are terrific leaders and made a strong contribution to the group last season. With their experience and knowledge of our game, they will continue to support the leadership group and the development of our younger players. 

“The structure of the leadership group has been streamlined this season, however we have a strong focus on the entire group more broadly to own their personal leadership capacities and compete - week in and week out.”