Former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell has told Zero Hanger the development role at Collingwood he was offered at the end of last year was one he simply could not refuse.
When Heppell retired from the AFL at the end of 2024, the offers from clubs around the competition came thick and fast, but he wanted to take the year off.
The Pies timed their run beautifully, remaining patient before striking 12 months after his retirement at the end of last year.
"It was quite interesting," Heppell told Zero Hanger.
"There were a number of opportunities when there was a bit of movement in the coaching space at the end of last year.
"And it wasn't something that I'd even considered but after having a few conversations with a few clubs, the Pies role in itself was great, there was a bit of flexibility and it allowed me to pursue other interests outside of footy.
"It fitted nicely in terms of things I was passionate about and was a chance to explore a new environment."
Playing for local club Leongatha, Heppell wanted to enjoy a year away from the high-pressure environment to explore opportunities he was passionate about, including his clothing label Haych and appearing on reality TV series I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.
He was lured back into the VFL system under his former coach James Hird, featuring for Port Melbourne in a mentoring capacity.
But since "crossing to the dark side", Heppell has been a revelation for the black-and-white, much to the chagrin of the Bombers' army.
The former Pick 8 is in the development space, mainly looking after the first-to-fourth year players, but has been working closely with Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill, as well as remaining on the track to assist the rehab group.
He's even been brought into the Collingwood army as one of their own, with fans waiting around Olympic Park to have a chat and photo with the 253-game veteran.
"Dyson has an incredible energy, infectious nature," Collingwood coach Craig McRae said.
"Our players gravitate towards his energy, and he's still out there kicking balls. He's doing all the rehab with the players. He's good to have in the building. We're lucky to have him."
Heppell's development role has opened the door to a potential senior coaching pursuit later down the track, but at this stage, he is enjoying the flexibility to explore his own interests outside of football.
"At this stage, I don't have any real passion or desire to get after a senior coaching job," he added.
"I'm loving the role I'm in at the moment but that's not to say that it's not something that I will pursue down the track.
"Under this environment, I've really enjoyed it and learning a lot. As I progress and grow, it's certainly something I will consider and see what opportunities arise."
