Suspended Essendon player Dyson Heppell is reportedly set to launch legal action against his club.
Damien Barrett reported on The Footy Show on Thursday night that Heppell will launch a legal claim against the Bombers for more than $1 million.
"Dyson Heppell is about to launch an unprecedented legal claim against his club for more than $1 million compensation...in relation to the WADA suspension that he and others have received," Barrett said.
Dyson Heppell is set to launch an unprecedented legal claim v the Bombers for $1mil+ in compensation from WADA ban. @barrettdamian
— The AFL Footy Show (@AFLFootyShow) April 14, 2016
"There are several planks we believe to this legal action, obviously the main part is the loss of earnings that are at play at the moment, there's also potential performance bonuses that are attached to the standard player contract as part of this claim.
"We also believe that there's been a loss of private sponsors in Dyson Heppell's personal arrangements and there's also a reputational damage component to this overall claim as well.
"This case is going to the biggest compensation case faced by Essendon."
It is a huge blow for the Bombers, with Heppell ear marked as a future captain of the club.
It would seen incomprehensible that Heppell could sue the club for such a huge amount of money, yet also continue to play for the club.
The 23-year-old has reportedly received several lucrative offers to join a rival club in 2017.
Barrett also reported that if Michael Hurley, who is still undecided on his future, does decide to remain at Essendon, he could tear up his current contract and request a new deal worth $1 million per season.
If Michael Hurley stays at Essendon, he could seek to rip up his current contract & get a fresh one worth up to $1mil a year- @barrettdamian
— The AFL Footy Show (@AFLFootyShow) April 14, 2016
