Essendon coach Brad Scott wasn’t in the mood to be asked why the club elected not to play retiring club great Dyson Heppell on Friday night.
The Bombers’ hopes of playing in September came crashing down at Marvel Stadium as Sydney delivered a second half masterclass to claim the 15.8 (98) to 8.11 (59) victory.
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But it was during Scott’s post game press conference when things took a rather frosty turn over one question.
In what was Essendon’s final game in front of their home fans for the 2024 season, many had hoped they would be given the chance to see Heppell play one last time.
The 32-year-old former captain of the club announced during the week he was hanging up the boots in an emotional farewell to his teammates.
But the call to overlook him against the Swans didn’t sit well with fans and it was the question put to Scott after the loss.
“Are you able to talk us through the Dyson Heppell decision … not selecting him tonight?” one journo asked.
After a brief pause and stare, Scott responded.
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“We’ve had discussions for four to six weeks, he is as strong as I am on this. We were still in contention and we pick our best team and that’s what we did and that’s what everyone would expect us to do,” he said.
But it was the very next question that left Scott frustrated as the journalist doubled down and asked if Heppell would be given a farewell game in the Bombers final round clash against the Brisbane Lions.
“Yeah potentially, but we’re dissecting this one first,” Scott said as he shook his head before ending the press conference.
The tense moment at the end of the presser wasn’t lost on Hawthorn great Ben Dixon who couldn’t help but point it out.
“A frosty Brad Scott there based on the Dyson Heppell question,” Dixon said on Fox Footy.
“Just when he was asked the question you just saw the eyes piercing straight through that journo as if to say ‘what I should have picked him tonight should I?’.”
The omission of Heppell from the contest was a key talking point as Kane Cornes and David King torched the Bombers for leaving the great out of the team.
“I just feel that Essendon should have given Dyson Heppell a send-off game in Melbourne,” King said on SEN Breakfast.
Cornes added: “100 per cent they should. That is madness.”
“Everyone talks about how good a leader he has been and what a great teammate. 250 games, All-Australian, best and fairest. And they had the chance and they bring in Sam Weideman?” King said.
“I just think, why not give this guy one more on the way out? Give the fans in the Melbourne home base a chance to go and say thank you to Dyson.
“He may not have wanted it by the way. I’m talking out of school a little bit.”
The Bombers will now venture to the Gabba for their final match of the season against the Lions with their finals hopes shot.
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