Essendon veteran Dyson Heppell is nearing an extension to remain at the Hangar in 2023, with the club committing to offering a new contract to their skipper.
Heppell has been the subject of much trade speculation throughout the year as he nears the end of his current contract, with rival clubs reportedly signalling their interest in the 30-year-old.
Heppell made his debut in 2011 and has since played 207 matches for the Bombers, picking up numerous accolades, including an All Australian selection and club best and fairest, across his 12 year career.
Speaking to media on Friday, senior coach Ben Rutten confirmed that the club was nearing an agreement with the veteran to remain in red and black.
"Yeah, (we want him at the club next year) absolutely. We're talking with Dyson at the moment about what that looks like so that won't be too far off," he said.
"We've been pretty clear with 'Dys' and have communicated with him about all that."
Heppell has played 16 games so far this season, averaging 22.4 disposals and 311.7 metres gained per match. With the Bombers firmly out of finals contention as they linger in 16th position, the club's next few seasons, and who will lead them throughout, have become prominent conversations.
With Zach Merrett and the recently re-signed Andrew McGrath being touted as the next leaders at the club, Rutten was adamant he wanted Heppell to be part of the conversations around the next person in the captain role.
"That's something that I want 'Dys' to be a part of. He's been such an important leader for us and such an important member of our football club so that's probably secondary at the moment for us," Rutten said.
Heppell remains as just one of several out-of-contract Bombers as we approach Round 18, with the club recently securing the signatures of McGrath, Nik Cox and Nick Hind, among others.
