Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell has all but confirmed where he will be playing his footy next season, signalling his intentions to re-sign with the Bombers.
The veteran defender has been strongly linked to a move to the Gold Coast, but confirmed his hopes to play on at Tullamarine at Sunday's Brownlow Medal count.
Essendon is still on the hunt for a new coach after sacking Ben Rutten after the final round of the season and missing out on Alastair Clarkson, with the coaching search leaving several Bombers players in limbo.
“Yeah look, I certainly think I’ll stay at the Bombers,” he told 7 News.
“Things are playing out in terms of the coach and hopefully we get a good one there, as well as get the club back on track."
The 30-year-old had a season to forget, coming under scrutiny many times for below-average performances in what was a disastrous season for the Bombers.
The Suns were reportedly mulling a long-term deal for Heppell that would see the Leongatha product's services split between playing and coaching.
Heppell is an unrestricted free agent in 2022, and can opt to join a rival club with no resistance from Essendon.
