A month after handing first-round Essendon draftees their jumpers, former club captain Dyson Heppell has jumped ship to arch rivals Collingwood.
The Magpies have announced he will be joining the club in 2026 as a development coach.
Heppell retired at the end of the 2024 season after 253 games for the Bombers, including six seasons as captain.
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Dyson Sharp presented his jumper by Essendon champion Dyson Heppell. Getty
He then worked with both Port Melbourne in the VFL and Leongatha in the Gippsland League in a coaching capacity, before joining the Pies.
Heppell made the 2014 All-Australian team and won the Bombers’ best and fairest in the same year.
He played in many Anzac Day battles against Collingwood over the years, but will now cross to the other side.
Magpies general manager Charlie Gardiner said the club was excited to have such an experienced football person join the club.
“Dyson is a fantastic addition to our coaching team and football department. His experiences as a player, including his knowledge around leadership, will be a valuable asset to our playing group,” Gardiner said.
“Working predominantly with our upcoming talent, Dyson’s ability to form strong relationships and understand the needs of players will allow him to be influential and mentor our emerging talent.”
The Pies also announced that Greg Stafford will be joining the club as a ruck coach from Melbourne.
Stafford spent 11 seasons with the Demons, working closely with Max Gawn.
He played 204 AFL games for Sydney and Richmond across his career.
“Greg has over 20 years of football experience and has a track record of developing talented players. He will play a pivotal role in developing our current and future rucks,” Gardiner said.
Collingwood has had a few changes in the coaching ranks, following the departures of Josh Fraser, Andy Otten and Neville Jetta (to a new role in the club).