Former Essendon captain Dyson Turner-Heppell has parted ways with VFL club Port Melbourne just 46 days out from the club's opening game of the new season.
The Borough confirmed the news on Wednesday, however the reason for the decision has not been disclosed.
Turner-Heppell, who had committed to Port Melbourne for 2026 over the off-season, has stepped into a development coaching role at Collingwood.
"I've had an absolute ball in my short time at Port Melbourne and I'm very grateful to have met some incredible people," Heppell is quoted.
"Wishing the club and players nothing but success in the coming years. Up the Borough."
Turner-Heppell played all 18 games for Port Melbourne, who finished 17th on the ladder with a record of six wins, 11 defeats and one draw.
The 33-year-old also suited up for local club Leongatha on six occasions, playing a role in the Parrots' premiership-winning victory over Traralgon in the Gippsland League.
Turner-Heppell's departure adds to the multiple ex-AFL names to leave North Port Oval this off-season, with Matthew Signorello and Tobe Watson also exiting the club. The Borough also lost 2025 Team of the Year talent Harvey Hooper to GWS's VFL program.
Port Melbourne has managed a strong recruitment drive however, signing Ben Hobbs, Oliver Sestan, Lachie Wilson, Connor Downie, Josh Catfield and Jack O'Sullivan, among others.
The standalone club's 2026 campaign is set to get underway against Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday, March 22.
